Marcos vows support for BARMM peace
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed his administration’s full support to the Mindanao peace process as he joined the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in commemorating its fifth founding anniversary.
In a statement posted on his social media, the President stressed the importance of a “close collaboration” in achieving just and lasting peace in Mindanao.
“We join our brothers and sisters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in celebrating its fifth anniversary!” Marcos said.
“Recognizing BARMM’s indispensable role in our Bagong Pilipinas, our commitment to close collaboration remains strong for just and lasting peace and prosperity, not only in Mindanao but throughout the nation,” he added.
This year’s BARMM celebration centers on the theme, “A journey toward mutual understanding, peaceful coexistence and a shared future in the Bangsamoro.”
From January 21-26, a series of anniversary activities have been organized by different BARMM ministries for the weeklong celebration, which includes free legal assistance and medical outreaches, tree plantings and cleanup activities, among others.
The BARMM, whose charter, the Republic Act 11054, was ratified via a plebiscite in five provinces and three cities in Mindanao in January 2019, is a product of 22 years of peace talks between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The BARMM replaced the 29year now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in February 2019.
It is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and 63 barangay (villages) of North Cotabato.
The autonomous region is currently being led by the 80-man Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), who were appointed by the President.
MILF chief Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim served as the first leader of the BARMM, and he will be serving as the region’s interim chief minister until 2025, the year the predominantly Bangsamoro territory holds its first regional elections.
During the region’s first five years, the Embrahim-led BTA has already passed important pieces of legislation, including BARMM’s administrative, civil service, education, electoral and local governance codes.
“Though the journey ahead may be rough and challenging, the vision of our right to self-determination is within reach of every Bangsamoro,” Ebrahim said in his earlier speech.
“This year is the last full year of the extended transition period; let us make the most of the opportunity given to us to be of service to the people,” he added.