Marcos, BARMM leaders discuss collaboration for 2025 elections

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has recently convened with leaders from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to discuss collaborations ahead of the parliamentary elections in May 2025, the Palace said on Sunday.

In a statement, the Palace said four of the five provincial governors of BARMM were present in the meeting held at the Aguado Residence in Manila.

Among them were Hajiman Hataman of Basilan, Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, Mamintal Adiong of Lanao del Sur, and Abdulraof Macacua of Maguindanao del Norte.

The meeting also included two gubernatorial aspirants from Maguindanao: Datu Tucao Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte and Datu Ali Midtimbang from Maguindanao Del Sur.

Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo initiated the consultation to “firm up the collaboration between Manila and Mindanao political leaders in ensuring peaceful, transparent, and credible BARMM elections next year.”

“The diverse assembly of both local and national leaders has also emphasized [President Marcos’] commitment to an inclusive development and peace in the Bangsamoro region,” Lagdameo said on Sunday.

He also said the dialogue centered on “preserving political stability in the region,” in light of the increasing tensions surrounding the upcoming elections.

“As the political landscape in the region evolves, the cooperation among these leaders will be essential for shaping up the future of their communities and in fostering sustainable development in BARMM,” he added.

The filing of Certificates of Candidacy for the upcoming BARMM parliamentary elections is set to begin on Monday.

The upcoming midterm polls will be historic as they mark the first parliamentary election in the region.

READ: COC filing for BARMM parliamentary elections begins Monday