Marcos urges voters to uphold integrity of first BARMM election

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged voters in the first Bangsamoro parliamentary election on Monday to uphold the integrity of the ballot and elect leaders who will strengthen the region’s institutions and contribute to its progress.

After four postponements, the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) finally pushed through on Sept. 14.

The election will determine the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, the legislative body of the BARMM established under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, or Republic Act No. 11054.

In a video statement, Marcos encouraged all qualified voters to participate in what he described as a “defining moment” in the region’s history, with wisdom, dignity, and respect for one another.

“May the votes that you will cast help us identify good leaders who can strengthen the institutions of the Bangsamoro and contribute to the progress of Mindanao and the entire nation,” he said.

“Let us also safeguard the integrity of the ballot and preserve the peace that has made this democratic exercise possible,” the President added.

Marcos said the election marks a milestone in the BARMM’s continuing journey toward lasting peace, democratic governance, and meaningful self-determination.

He also expressed hope that voters’ choices would further deepen their sense of civic duty and forge stronger bonds that hold the nation together.

Two separate explosions were reported in Cotabato City on Sunday night, with one person injured in the first incident and no casualties reported in the second.

Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region said the first explosion occurred at about 8 p.m. in Purok Amirol of Barangay Kalanganan. Another explosion was reported at about 8:10 p.m. in Datu Udtog Matalam, Malagapas in Barangay Rosary Heights 10.

Authorities have yet to establish whether the two explosions were related or whether explosive devices were involved. /jpv