Lagdameo: Bangsamoro peace process enters new phase after successful first parliamentary polls

The normalization track of the Bangsamoro peace process will proceed alongside the transition to an elected regional government, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo said.

Lagdameo said the successful conduct of the region's first parliamentary elections marks a major turning point, completing the political track of the peace process while shifting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) toward a fully elected parliamentary government.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported an 84.34 percent voter turnout for the September 14 elections, with 2,018,478 voters casting ballots. Police and election officials reported that the polls were generally peaceful across the region.

While the political track is complete, Lagdameo stressed that the peace process remains active. The normalization track will continue to support former combatants, their communities, and the foundations for lasting peace under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The continuation of normalization was a central focus when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua at Malacañang following the vote.

During the meeting, President Marcos congratulated Macacua—who also chairs the Bangsamoro Federalist Party—on the successful polls.

The discussions also addressed ongoing development programs and the delivery of essential services to the region

Newly elected members of the Bangsamoro Parliament are scheduled to assume office on 30 October.

Also present at the meeting were Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Lagdameo, and Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Minister Jordan Bayam.