COTABATO CITY (October 28) — The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on Wednesday assured the public that comprehensive security and operational measures are in place to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and seamless conduct of the first session of the Bangsamoro Parliament scheduled for October 30.
Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said the OPAPRU, through peace mechanisms such as the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, held a meeting with the top commanders of the military’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) and the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to guarantee stability and public order leading up to and during the historic parliamentary session.
Sarmiento emphasized the Marcos administration’s steadfast commitment to providing an environment where parliamentarians can exercise their democratic mandate freely and securely.
“The peace process in the Bangsamoro region has reached a pivotal juncture, and OPAPRU assures the public that we are closely monitoring the situation on the ground. Through synchronized coordination with our security cluster and the peace implementing panels, we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and secure inaugural session on October 30,” Sarmiento said.
The upcoming parliamentary session marks a major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace and governance transition. Members of Parliament will convene to formally elect the Chief Minister, the Speaker, and other key officers of the regional legislative body. The session follows the successful first-ever Bangsamoro Parliament Elections held on September 14, in which more than 84 percent of the electorate cast their votes. The elections form part of the culmination of the Political Track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“This is a defining moment for the Bangsamoro people and the nation as a whole. We are working hand-in-hand with all stakeholders so that the members of Parliament can elect their Chief Minister, Speaker, and key leadership in a safe, secure, and transparent environment befitting this historic democratic exercise,” Sarmiento added.
He said, “Peace is our collective responsibility, and we remain dedicated to protecting the integrity of this milestone as we build a more stable, inclusive, and progressive BARMM.”
OPAPRU called on all regional stakeholders, community partners, and the public to rally behind the peaceful transition and uphold solidarity as the Bangsamoro Parliament commences its vital legislative work.
