President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to bolster collaboration with the national government in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible midterm election in the region next year.
The meeting focused on preserving political stability in the region amid growing tension triggered by the coming May 2025 electoral contest, a statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.
Held at the Aguado Residence in Manila, the meeting was attended by four BARMM provincial governors, namely Hajiman Hataman of Basilan, Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, Mamintal Adiong of Lanao del Sur, and Abdul Raof Macacua of Maguindanao del Norte.
Also in attendance were Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Secretary Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, and Mindanao Development Authority chief Leo Magno and gubernatorial candidates for the upcoming national and local elections next year, Datu Tucao Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte and Datu Ali Midtimbang of Maguindanao del Sur.
“On orders of the President, Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Antonio Lagdameo initiated the comprehensive consultation reportedly to firm up the collaboration between Manila and Mindanao political leaders in ensuring peaceful, transparent, and credible
BARMM elections next year,” the PCO said.
PCO also added that various “influential political figures in Mindanao” were called upon “to hammer out an understanding that would enhance the alliance between local leaders and the national government in addressing the unique challenges that confront the Bangsamoro region.”
The said meeting also tackled the government’s development agenda for the Bangsamoro people following the Supreme Court’s decision declaring that Sulu is not part of BARMM’s territorial jurisdiction.
“The diverse assembly of both local and national leaders has also emphasized PBBM’s commitment to an inclusive development and peace in the Bangsamoro region,” said Lagdameo.
“As the political landscape in the region evolves, the cooperation among these leaders will be essential for shaping up the future of their communities and in fostering sustainable development in BARMM,” he added.
