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MANOR HOTEL, COTABATO CITY — It’s all systems go for the upcoming first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.
This was the assurance made during the media orientation organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) in partnership with the Philippine Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) on August 12, this city.
“Tuloy ang first parliamentary elections,” said Executive Director Atty. Teopisto Elnas, Jr., head of COMELEC-BARMM’s Project Management Office.
During the last 10 days of registration in the region, Elnas bared that 2.8 million voters have registered, 70% of whom are youth.
Director Darwin Wee, head of OPAPRU’s Communications and Public Affairs Services (CPAS) unit, underscored the need to have a deeper understanding of the Bangsamoro peace process.
“The election is part of the implementation of the [Bangsamoro peace agreement. This is in the political track,” Wee explained.
The orientation in Cotabato is the first in a series of media briefings to be conducted by the OPAPRU and PTFOMS to create greater public awareness among members of the media and the general public on the BARMM elections scheduled this coming October 13.
The succeeding briefings will be held in the cities of Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and Metro Manila.
Bangsamoro Member of Parliament (MP) Atty. Raissa Jajurie presented key provisions of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC) so that voters will have a better understanding of the region’s electoral process.
BARMM Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Asnin Pendatun discussed the 12-Point Priority Agenda of the current interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua.
Pendatun highlighted the regional government’s accomplishments since March 2025 in the areas of infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
He also revealed the BARMM government’s efforts to strengthen its e-governance platform, as it aims to set up a thousand digital towers that are expected to boost the region’s connectivity and enhance the delivery of essential services to the people.
Director Anna Pacete of the OPAPRU’s Field Operations and Political Concerns Unit (FOPCU) gave an overview of the Bangsamoro peace process, particularly the political and normalization tracks of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
“The CAB represents the shared vision and joint commitment of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to put an end to the decades of armed conflict and build a peaceful, just, and inclusive future for the Bangsamoro people,” Pacete said.
Director Jana Gallardo of OPAPRU’s Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Peace Process Office gave updates on the Government of the Philippines – MNLF process, particularly in the implementation of the Transformation Program for MNLF combatants, their families, and communities.
Valerie Lambo, spokesperson for the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) of the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) in Cotabato City, explained her organization’s mandate and provided updates on the implementation of the national government’s Amnesty Program.
Undersecretary Jose Torres, Executive Director of PTFOMS, explained the guidelines that members of the media must follow in covering the BARMM elections to ensure their safety and protection.
“Ang una ko talagang sinasabi kung paano talaga magiging safe, lagi nating (gawin) ‘yung ethical practice of journalism,” Torres said.
“‘Yun naman talaga ang pinaka-armas natin o pinaka-tool para magiging safe tayo kasi kung ethical ang practice mo, fair ang pagiging journalist mo, saan ka naman magkakamali, hindi ba?” he added.
Executive Director Andrew Ameen Alonto, head of BIO, thanked the media for sharing their insights, as he highlighted their key role in the upcoming political exercise.
“We share the responsibility to [convey] that the information we release is truthful, contextual, and contributes to lasting peace,” Alonto stressed. (/)