Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. emphasized the importance of a careful and thoughtful approach to the political and developmental transition in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
He supported the postponement of the BARMM parliamentary elections from 2025 to 2026, citing challenges stemming from the Supreme Court’s ruling that excluded Sulu from the region.
This decision has caused job insecurity for over 5,000 workers and threatened vital development projects.
Galvez highlighted the need for additional time to address legal and administrative issues, which include amending the electoral code and passing key legislation.
He noted the necessity of completing the decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants, improving security, and enacting laws to ensure proper representation for newly established municipalities within the BARMM.
He also stressed that delaying the elections would allow for the completion of essential legislative processes and security measures, thereby strengthening the region’s foundation for a successful transition to a fully functional government.
Galvez reaffirmed that the BARMM peace process serves as a model of conflict resolution and lasting peace and said that this delay offers an opportunity to solidify the region’s political, economic, and security frameworks.
