BARMM polls fruition of peace process, says SAP

Electorate across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are preparing to cast their ballots Monday in the region's first regular parliamentary elections, marking a key milestone in the transition from decades of armed conflict toward democratic governance.

Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton F. Lagdameo said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. views the 14 September election as the "fruition" of decades of peace negotiations, pointing to former combatants who once fought against government forces now running for seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Lagdameo quoted Marcos as saying that the transformation of former rebels into political candidates highlights the importance of the election in consolidating the gains of the peace process.

The vote will transition the region from its interim governance structure to a regular, democratically elected parliamentary government.

Lagdameo reaffirmed the national government's commitment to supporting the election as security agencies, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and local government units finalize preparations to ensure a peaceful vote.

The poll body continues voter education campaigns across the region to explain the parliamentary system and voting procedures. Election officials said lingering operational concerns are being addressed as part of routine final preparations and will not alter the election schedule.

To maintain order, the government has deployed security forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to safeguard voters, candidates, and election materials. Officials have urged political parties and supporters to keep campaign activities peaceful as political rivalries intensify ahead of election day.

Marcos has repeatedly stressed that a credible, orderly vote is essential to strengthening the foundations of the autonomous region and sustaining long-term stability.