The Philippine national government is fully committed to safeguarding the upcoming regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced during the kickoff of the 2026 National Peace Consciousness Month.
Addressing the audience, the President emphasized that state security forces and civil agencies are mobilized to protect the democratic rights of voters across the region.
“We are prepared for the first Parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on September 14,” Marcos stated.
“Be assured that this Administration will do everything within our mandate to ensure that the elections are safe, peaceful, and credible. We will protect the right of every Bangsamoro voter to cast a ballot freely and without fear,” he added.
Marcos pointed out that the long-awaited electoral process serves as a cornerstone for the region’s transition to a permanent autonomous governance system.
He added that the future trajectory of the region depends entirely on the democratic voice and choices of its electorate.
The Chief Executive connected the regional elections to broader historical efforts toward regional stability, drawing parallels to the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Final Peace Accord with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“We honor all who chose dialogue over division, all of those who worked, often quietly and patiently, to make peace a lived reality in Mindanao,” the President remarked.
“Our work is not yet finished. Three decades later, the Agreement remains as a continuing covenant to pursue justice, dignity, and self-determination through peaceful means. In the coming days, we have another opportunity to show that the gains of peace can be strengthened through democratic institutions,” he noted.
The President also highlighted progress in the northern region, referencing the 40th anniversary of the historic 1986 Mount Data Peace Accord (Sipat) signed with the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA).
“The Accord showed that even longstanding differences can be bridged through dialogue and a shared commitment to uplift our communities,” Marcos said.
“We will continue to support the Cordillera’s aspirations for autonomy and ensure that peace continues to translate into development and opportunity,” he concluded.
Spearheaded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), this year’s National Peace Consciousness Month carries the slogan “Kapayapaan Pagtibayin, Kaunlaran Paigtingin”, emphasizing that durable peace is fundamental to lasting national prosperity.