Bangsamoro's Parliamentary Election: A Test of Peace and Democracy

The Struggle for Self-Determination

On Monday, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will hold its first parliamentary election since it was established in 2018. This vote marks the official end of the transition period under the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), an interim regional government appointed in 2019. It's a pivotal moment in the history of the Moro people—a struggle that has spanned decades of conflict, negotiation, and hope.

Bangsamoro is located on Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippine Archipelago. This region is home to the Moro people, a Muslim-majority group that once ruled independent states and fiercely resisted Spanish colonialism. Even after the Philippines gained independence in 1946, their fight for self-determination continued.

In 1989, the Philippine government created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to grant some devolved rights to the Moro people. But ARMM failed to deliver meaningful change. Its weak structural power meant limited autonomy in political and fiscal decision-making, leaving socioeconomic conditions largely unchanged. The failure of ARMM only deepened the frustration of the Moro population and gave rise to continued armed resistance.

In 2012, President Benigno Aquino III recognized ARMM as a 'failed experiment.' He paved the way for a new political framework with the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, signed between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This agreement laid the groundwork for a more robust and democratic self-governing entity—what would eventually become BARMM.

Six years later, under President Rodrigo Duterte, the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao was enacted. It granted the region greater fiscal autonomy, a regional government, a parliament, and its own justice system. All of this culminated in a comprehensive agreement outlining the transition from ARMM to BARMM and establishing the MILF-led BTA to guide the process.

Now, with the parliamentary election on the horizon, we stand at a crossroads. The results will not only determine who leads the region's first legislative body but also signal whether the long-running peace process can be sustained in the face of new challenges.

A Contested Election

The parliamentary election is taking place amid escalating tensions within the MILF and rising public anxiety about post-election unrest. Two distinct factions have emerged within the movement—one loyal to MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, the other supporting Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.

In a dramatic twist, Macacua recently joined the newly formed Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), which will compete directly against the MILF's political wing, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). Shortly after, his convoy was attacked—but he survived unharmed. Earlier this month, Macacua and 40 commanders were dismissed from the MILF's military wing for alleged insubordination.

These divisions have cast a shadow over the electoral process. In past elections, vote-buying, violence, fraud, and manipulation have plagued the system. If these practices repeat themselves on a large scale, the legitimacy of the outcome will be in serious doubt. It could also fail to reflect the true will of the Bangsamoro people.

What's particularly troubling is that the MILF presents itself as a champion of moral governance. Yet internal rivalries and threats of violence threaten its credibility. Some prominent MILF figures have warned that if they see electoral manipulation, they're prepared to fight—something many see as a betrayal of their peace mission. On social media, citizens have already begun condemning such tactics, calling them un-Islamic.

As the election approaches, Manila has increased military presence in key areas. While the intention may be to maintain order, it has fueled fears of renewed conflict. The resulting tension could lead to a low voter turnout and further undermine the peaceful transition that this region so desperately needs.

"The future of BARMM is a shared responsibility. The Philippine government and the Bangsamoro parties are duty-bound to honor the peace agreement."

The stakes are higher than ever. We must remember that this election is not just about power—it's about peace, justice, and self-determination for millions of people who have lived through decades of conflict.

Democracy Under Pressure

For those who've followed the Bangsamoro story, the journey from armed struggle to democratic participation has been one of the most compelling political transformations in recent Philippine history. But now, as we enter this critical phase, there are clear signs that democracy is under immense strain.

The MILF's internal conflict is not only a political issue—it's a moral one. If peace and justice are to be preserved, then the parties involved must show unwavering commitment to fair play. The people of Bangsamoro deserve more than empty rhetoric or political maneuvering; they need accountability, transparency, and genuine representation.

We've seen how corruption and electoral fraud can erode trust in democratic institutions. In the past, these practices have led to violence, instability, and the erosion of popular support for peace processes. It's imperative that this election is conducted with integrity—free from coercion, manipulation, or intimidation.

If we allow the same old patterns to resurface, then all the sacrifices made by generations of activists, negotiators, and ordinary citizens will have been in vain. The transition to BARMM was supposed to be a new chapter—one where the people of Bangsamoro could finally govern themselves with dignity and autonomy.

The Path Forward

As we watch this pivotal moment unfold, I'm reminded of how fragile peace can be when it's built on trust, not force. The outcome of this election will shape not just the political future of Bangsamoro but also the broader trajectory of peace in the Philippines.

We must not only monitor the vote itself, but also the aftermath—ensuring that the electoral process remains peaceful, transparent, and inclusive. The international community, including the Philippine government, has a responsibility to support these efforts.

The people of Bangsamoro have already shown tremendous courage in their long struggle for autonomy. Now, let's make sure that the fruits of their labor aren't undermined by political games or internal divisions. The path forward demands more than just words—it requires action.

This election must be a victory for democracy, not a setback for justice. And it's our duty to ensure that it is.