Marcos Pledges Peaceful, Credible BARMM Elections Amid Peace Consciousness Month

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos vowed to ensure that the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) this month would be credible and peaceful, acknowledging that peace-building efforts in Mindanao are not yet finished. Speaking during the opening of the National Peace Consciousness Month at Malacañang, Marcos said the 1996 final peace deal is a landmark achievement forged through the aspirations, struggles and sacrifices of the Moro National Liberation Front and the shared resolve to build a lasting peace. He lauded those who “chose dialogue over division” and who worked quietly and patiently to make peace a lived reality in Mindanao. “In the coming days, we have another opportunity to show that the gains of peace can be strengthened through democratic institutions,” he said. Marcos gave assurance that the government is prepared for the first parliamentary elections in BARMM on Sept. 14. Marcos also vowed to continue supporting Cordillera’s aspirations for autonomy and ensure that peace continues to translate into development and opportunity. He said the 1986 Mount Data Peace Accord with the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army showed that even longstanding differences could be bridged through dialogue and a shared commitment to uplift communities.