Marcos vows honest, orderly Bangsamoro polls

MANILA, Philippines — Barely a year before the holding of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), President Marcos has warned those planning to derail the process, including terrorists, that they would face the full force of the blaw.

During the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at Camp Iranun in Maguindanao del Norte yesterday, Marcos stressed the significance of the May 2025 elections in achieving meaningful autonomy as enshrined in the CAB.

“Let this also serve as a warning to those who may plan to threaten and derail this upcoming election. Don’t even think about it because it’s the government that you’re going to fight,” Marcos said.

“As we defend the gains we have achieved, we will be vigilant against the enemies of peace. We will bear the full force of the state against terrorist elements,” he added.

The CAB was signed between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on March 27, 2014, after 17 years of negotiations.

It aims to end armed conflicts between the government and the MILF, and promote peace and stability in the Bangsamoro region.

The President called on BARMM residents to participate in the first parliamentary election, saying it would be honest, orderly and credible.

The election was originally scheduled in May 2022, but was postponed due to the COVID pandemic.