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- EDD K. USMAN | X (Twitter): @edd181 | Instagram: @bluestar0910 |Facebook: SDN – SciTech & Digital News
MANILA (SDN) — January 23, 2025 — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) being governed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is presently celebrating its 6th Foundation Day.
Meaning, the Bangsamoro region was established in January 2019 through the 2018 Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) to implement the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF forged the CAB through an on-and-off-again peace negotiation that lasted 17 years. With the CAB in place, backed by the two parties’ General Cessation of Hostilities, peace has dawned in Southern Philippines, particularly Central Mindanao of which BARMM is an integral part.
As a result, the MILF chaired by Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, the BARMM chief minister, has transitioned from an armed revolutionary organization to a political group and has it own United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). Ebrahim is president of the UBJP.
Recall that on September 23 last year, MILF Chief Negotiator and Peace Implementing Panel chair Mohagher M. Iqbal said the MILF has officially transformed into a social movement. It means the once-separatist organization has abandoned its armed struggle, having signed the CAB on March 27, 2014.
On that day, the MILF conducted a General Assembly and Special Meeting in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, BARMM, and in the next day Ebrahim and other MILF leaders convened a meeting that gathered its Based commanders, deputy commanders, political leaders and others concerned as they discussed the group’s transformation into a social movement.
They also discussed the coming first regional parliamentary polls synchronized with the National and Local Elections (NLE) on May 12, 2025.
In relation with this, the House of Representatives and the Senate have filed bills postponing and resetting for the second time what could be a historic political exercise in the Philippines that will elect the first regularly elected 80 Members of the Parliament (MPs). Presently, since 2019 the MPs are appointive officials through the signatures of then President Rodrigo R.. Duterte in 2019 and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in 2022.
Whether the parliamentary polls push through or not, that would be in the hands of the Senate and the House. If they agree on the postponement and resetting, Marcos’s signature is surely needed to implement a law to that effect.
Meanwhile, the BARMM has kicked off its celebration from January 20 to 24 with a lineup of many activities in Cotabato City, the Bangsamoro capital.
For the celebration, Iqbal, BARMM education minister, issued a message in solidarity with the Bangsamoro people.
𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐪𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐌.
“Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu.
“Today, as we celebrate the 6th Bangsamoro Foundation Day, we gather to reflect on the long and arduous journey that has brought us to this historic milestone. Six years ago, through the grace of Allah (SWT) and the steadfast commitment of those who believed in the cause of peace and justice, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was established. It is a testament to our people’s resilience, determination, and unity.
“The BARMM was founded after decades of struggle and sacrifice, marked by the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and ratifying the Bangsamoro Organic Law. This peace process was not merely the cessation of conflict but the start of building an autonomous government dedicated to protecting and upholding the rights of all people in Bangsamoro—Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous communities alike. We have proven that genuine dialogue and political will can pave the way for lasting peace, and this progress is a shared triumph for all stakeholders in the peace process.
“Over the past six years, we have significantly strengthened the foundation of our region’s governance and development. Education remains among our highest priorities, a cornerstone of peace and progress. Investing in our schools, teachers, and learners ensures no Bangsamoro child is left behind. Education is a right and a means of empowering our youth and equipping them with the tools to build a prosperous and peaceful future.
“We have also championed the principles of moral governance, which have guided every decision we make. These principles emphasize accountability, transparency, and the welfare of the people above all else. Your unwavering support for this advocacy has been vital in transforming our aspirations into reality. We are fostering a government that embodies justice, fairness, and integrity.
“As we celebrate this day, let us also honor those who have come before us, whose sacrifices laid the groundwork for the BARMM. Let us remember the many lives lost, the dreams that endured, and the faith that carried us through. Our journey is far from over, but our gains inspire us to move forward with greater determination.
“To the people of Bangsamoro, thank you for your trust, patience, and support. Your unwavering faith in our collective vision for an inclusive, just, and peaceful region drives us to continue our work. As we mark this occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding every Bangsamoro’s rights and dignity and building a future filled with hope, equity, and opportunity.
“Mabuhay tayong lahat! Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.”
Let us hope that what’s best for the Bangsamoro region, in particular, and the Philippines, in general, the entire Filipino nation realizes for themselves and their children, the future generation, a generation of peace, solidarity, unity, and harmony. (/)