MANILA, Philippines — The normalization component of the Bangsamoro peace process will move forward in tandem with the region’s shift to an elected parliament, Malacañang announced on Saturday, September 26.
Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo stated that while the recent Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections completed the political track of the peace agreement, peacebuilding initiatives will remain ongoing.
The normalization track addresses the remaining obligations under the peace framework, focusing on assisting former combatants, reintegrating local communities, and reinforcing long-term regional stability.
The implementation strategy was finalized during a Thursday meeting at Malacañang Palace between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua. The discussions focused on aligning the region’s governance agenda with essential public service delivery, economic development programs, and continued normalization efforts.
During the meeting, President Marcos commended Macacua, who leads the Bangsamoro Federalist Party, for the successful conduct of the region’s inaugural parliamentary vote.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Lagdameo, and BARMM-Ministry of the Interior and Local Government Minister Jordan Bayam were also in attendance.
Newly elected parliamentary members are set to take their oaths of office on Friday, October 30, formalizing the establishment of the region’s regular parliamentary government.