Historic Milestone: Catholic Church and National Leaders Hail Peaceful BARMM Parliamentary Election

COTABATO CITY (November 2) — Marking a decisive shift from decades of armed conflict to self-governing democracy, religious and national leaders have welcomed the peaceful election of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) new chief minister and regular parliamentary officials.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue (CBCP-ECID), commended regional stakeholders and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for orchestrating a smooth and democratic transition.

A Peaceful Shift to Regular Governance

The election formally brings an end to the seven-year tenure of the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA),ushering in the region’s first regular parliamentary government.

During the inaugural session of the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament on October 30, Abdulraof Macacua was elected Chief Minister, securing 51 votes to defeat former Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s 27 votes, with one member abstaining and another absent.

Church and State Reaffirm Commitment to Peace

Both religious authorities and the national government framed the vote as a landmark achievement in interreligious solidarity and peacebuilding.

“The Church will continue to walk with our Muslim brothers and sisters, with Indigenous Peoples, and with all communities in the region in dialogue, friendship, and the common work of building a just and lasting peace.”

— Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, CBCP-ECID Chairman

Addressing the parliament’s inaugural session, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. echoed the bishop’s sentiment, describing the event as a monumental step forward in national reconciliation:

“This day is a milestone in the peace process between the national government and MILF, marking the transition from armed struggle to peaceful democratic governance. Your success is the success of the country. We will never abandon you.”

— President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Looking Ahead: Delivering Dividends of Peace

With the transition complete, focus turns to regional governance, economic growth, and inclusive public services across Muslim, Christian, and Indigenous communities in the region.

National leadership stressed that the long-term success of the new parliamentary coalition will be judged by its ability to deliver tangible, daily improvements to the lives of every Bangsamoro family.