International observers urged to monitor BARMM polls
COTABATO CITY, Philippines — To help ensure free, honest, peaceful, and credible parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Ahod Balawag “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim has appealed to the international community to deploy election observers.
Ebrahim called for the deployment of diplomatic missions from the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Brunei, Spain, and Norway.
“This marks a defining stage in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB),” Ebrahim said in a recent letter.
The MILF chairman acknowledged the long-standing contributions of foreign partners in mediating the conflict, monitoring ceasefires and supporting development across the region.
READ: 2 dead in Maguindanao del Sur gun attack amid gun ban
Ebrahim said the observers for the Sept. 14 balloting would help prevent cheating and other irregularities and ensure the integrity of the elections.
‘Indispensable role’
“The MILF recognizes with deep appreciation the indispensable role of international partners in advancing the Bangsamoro peace process through mediation, peace monitoring, normalization support, development cooperation and sustained diplomatic engagement,” Ebrahim said.
READ: Peace adviser urges bets, parties to help ensure BARMM poll success
Some 2.39 million registered voters across the Bangsamoro region are expected to cast their ballots to elect 80 parliamentary members at 1,186 polling centers in the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on Sept. 14, 2026.
The elected officials will replace the appointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, marking the first election in the BARMM since the government and the MILF signed the peace agreement in 2014.
The European Union has yet to publicly announce whether it will deploy election observers following Ebrahim’s request.
The Asian Network for Free Elections and National Democratic Institute deployed a 10-member joint Technical Assessment Mission to the region during the campaign period.
A week before the elections, security concerns remain in the region.
On Monday, two brothers were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Paglat, Maguindanao del Sur, despite the ongoing election gun ban.
Capt. Steffi Salanguit, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) spokesperson, identified the victims as Ebrahim Mamalinta, 35, of Gen. SK Pendatun and his brother, Marquez Mamalinta, of Pandag, both in Maguindanao del Sur.
Ongoing probe
According to investigators, the brothers were riding a motorcycle in Barangay Campo at about 1 p.m. when two men on another motorcycle opened fire on them.
Responding officers found the victims beside the highway and recovered their motorcycle, four empty shells from a firearm of undetermined caliber, and their identification cards.
No group has claimed responsibility, and police are continuing their investigation.
PRO-BAR has recorded at least 43 gun-related incidents in the region since the election gun ban took effect on July 16, leaving 14 people dead and eight wounded. Maguindanao del Sur recorded the highest number, with 16 incidents.
A separate record from the Climate Conflict Action Asia, a peace-building group, listed 39 deaths in 58 gun-related incidents across the region from July 16 to Aug. 31.
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. maintained that the security situation for the elections is still “under control.”
“We assure the people of BARMM that the PNP is prepared to protect their safety and ensure that they can exercise their right to vote freely and peacefully,” Nartatez said in a statement on Monday.
He added: “The situation remains under control. Our personnel are on alert and are focused on preventing election-related violence, particularly in areas with known political, clan and security concerns.” —With reports from Bong S. Sarmiento and Jason Sigales /atm
