President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the profound significance of the upcoming inaugural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary election, framing it as the ultimate milestone of peace initiatives spanning multiple decades.
Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) Presidential Luncheon on August 14, the President emphasized the critical role of the regional election in securing long-term stability and socio-economic advancement across Muslim Mindanao.
“So, that is why the elections in September are so important for the development of Muslim Mindanao. And it was just pointed out to me that the elections in September will be 50 years after the Tripoli Agreement,” Marcos stated.
“And if you want to go even further, the peace process began in 1968. And so this is the fruition of that entire process that went on from, shall we say, ‘68 then to the Tripoli Agreement, and then now we have BARMM, and we will have an elected parliament,” Marcos added.
The landmark electoral contest for the Bangsamoro Parliament is set for September 14.
Expressing deep confidence in the region’s trajectory, Marcos observed that former insurgent fighters who once engaged in armed combat against government forces have now transitioned to democratic campaigning for parliamentary seats.
He noted that actively joining the democratic process serves as the clearest proof that former combatants have chosen political engagement over armed conflict to foster lasting stability and prosperity.
”I’m very optimistic that as long as we have a credible and transparent election and peaceful, of course, election in September, then that will be a huge step forward for the regional government of BARMM,” Marcos said.
The Chief Executive remarked that government operations were previously split between battling communist rebels and a secessionist movement, though both conflicts have since seen significant declines.
Looking ahead, Marcos projected rapid growth for the region, even lightheartedly sharing that he has joked with friends about relocating to Mindanao post-presidency due to its vast potential.
He concluded with optimism that the regional government will effectively deliver public services, drive economic expansion, create employment, and improve local livelihoods.