NATION

Catholic bishop hails democratic, peaceful election of BARMM officials

DT··3 MIN READ

Catholic bishop hails democratic, peaceful election of BARMM officials

Photograph courtesy of Abdulraof A. Macacua

Text size

COTABATO CITY -- A Catholic bishop has lauded stakeholders for the peaceful and democratic election of Bangsamoro’s first chief minister and other regional officials, describing the development as a historic milestone in the peace process.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue (CBCP-ECID), welcomed the election of Abdulraof Macacua, stressing the importance of a smooth transition to the new Bangsamoro leadership.

Macacua secured 51 votes against 27 for former Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim during the 30 October selection at the inaugural session of the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament. One member abstained and another was absent.

Bagaforo also commended the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its leaders, led by Chairman Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim and Vice Chair Mohagher Iqbal, for facilitating a peaceful and democratic handover from the interim administration.

The election marks a significant political shift for the region, formally ending the seven-year administration of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and ushering in its first regular parliamentary government under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“On behalf of the CBCP-ECID, we express our support and solidarity with the new Bangsamoro government and Parliament,” Bagaforo said in a statement.

“The Church will continue to walk with our Muslim brothers and sisters, with Indigenous Peoples, and with all communities in the region in dialogue, friendship, and the common work of building a just and lasting peace,” he added.

The bishop expressed hope that the new administration would champion open and just governance, prioritizing the welfare of all residents, including Muslims, Christians, Indigenous Peoples, and other sectors.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., speaking during the inaugural session, similarly described the establishment of the elected parliament as a historic breakthrough in the national government's peace process with the MILF.

“This day is a milestone in the peace process between the national government and MILF, marking the transition from armed struggle to peaceful democratic governance,” Marcos said.

The President called on the new parliamentary coalition to uphold “unity, statesmanship, and cooperation” as it assumes regional governance. He stressed that the success of the new political arrangement must be measured by its capacity to deliver responsive governance, economic opportunities, and public services.

“Above all, it means ensuring that the dividends of peace are felt in the daily lives of every Bangsamoro family,” Marcos said.

Reaffirming national support for BARMM autonomy and its democratic institutions, the President added: “Your success is the success of the country. We will never abandon you."

The parallel messages from religious and national leaders underscore the region's ongoing transition from decades of armed conflict to democratic self-governance, with the focus now shifting toward sustaining peace through inclusive leadership.