MANILA, Philippines – The postponement of the first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) may only prolong the violence in the region, a non-profit organization warned on Thursday, February 20.
“When you postpone the election, you prolong the time for warring groups to square off with each other,” said Francisco Lara Jr., executive director of non-profit group Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA).
CCAA, which established the Bangsamoro Conflict Monitoring System, has seen an uptick in conflict incidents since 2021.
In 2024, the group recorded 2,951 conflict incidents, higher than the 2023 record of 2,475. CCAA counted 28 active clan feuds across Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and in Special Geographic Areas.
“A major concern now is how the postponement of elections will prolong and potentially worsen these conflicts, particularly in election hotspot areas such as Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat, and Marawi City,” said Liezl Bugtay, CCAA senior program manager.
There is a push from Congress to defer the poll to 2026. A total of 198 lawmakers in the lower chamber already approved the bill postponing the elections. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. indicated his support to reset the polls.
The shakeup follows the Supreme Court’s decision in September 2024 to exclude Sulu from BARMM.
Before the SC decision in September 2024, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan was gunning for the position held by Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag “Al-hajj Murad” Ebrahim.
As it is, a majority win for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party is a possibility if the polls push through in 2025.
Independent monitors
CCAA appealed to the government to establish an independent election monitoring system and begin securing political settlements to prevent any more clan feuds.
“If negotiations are initiated now, alliances and agreements can be forged both at the local elections and the upcoming parliamentary elections,” said Lara.
The enforcement of the gun ban “with full impartiality” may help bring peace as well, and this includes “arrests and disarming if necessary.” Moreover, they called on the Commission on Elections to address credibility issues, suggesting the poll body avoid a last-minute reshuffling of election officers.
“With the elections just months away, these measures are not just necessary, they are urgent,” Lara added. – Rappler.com
