Duyog Bangsamoro, a coalition advocating for peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), recently urged the newly elected parliament to maintain the momentum of the peace process established by the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
A Call for Commitment to Peace
After elections, what we are really asking is for everyone to give the signal that this will continue. The CAB should be completed with the MILF.
Teresita Deles, former presidential adviser on peace process
During a recent discussion, coalition representatives reflected on the significance of the first parliamentary elections held on September 14, 2026. They noted both the progress made since the signing of the CAB and the challenges that lie ahead.
The coalition, formed in March 2026, aims to support the Bangsamoro people's aspirations for peace and development. Teresita Deles pointed out the milestones achieved, particularly the durability of the ceasefire and the notable participation of women in the peace agreements.
While the elections were largely peaceful, reports of violence and electoral fraud, including vote-buying and pre-shaded ballots, emerged from certain municipalities. Kiko Aquino Dee, a co-convenor of Tindig Pilipinas, stressed the need for transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, former chair of the peace panel, welcomed the participation of younger politicians, suggesting that the new parliamentary system could disrupt traditional power dynamics.
Duyog Bangsamoro reiterated that the elections signify only the beginning of a parliamentary government in the region. They urged the incoming Parliament to prioritize the commitments made in the CAB, emphasizing that the normalization track remains incomplete.
The coalition believes that a stable and peaceful BARMM will not only benefit the region but also enhance the overall economy of the Philippines.