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MPs back resetting 2025 BARMM Parliament polls to 2026 with SC exclusion of Sulu
Members of Parliament (MPs) Amir Mawallil and Rasol Mitmug Jr. have voiced their support for the resetting of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections to May 2026 if it will address the problems that may arise from the exclusioin of Sulu from the region, including the transition of BARMM employees in the province.
Mawallil highlighted the importance of redistricting within BARMM following the Supreme Court decision, noting that Sulu’s exclusion from the region directly impacts the distribution of parliamentary seats.
"The exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM necessitates a reconfiguration of parliamentary representation in the Bangsamoro," Mawallil stated.
"Sulu’s seven seats must now be reallocated, and this cannot be addressed adequately without careful legislative redistricting,” he added.
Mitmug argued that a recalibration of representation is crucial for ensuring equitable and accurate governance in BARMM.
"To ensure that the Bangsamoro people are truly represented, we need to revisit our districts and seat allocations, especially as Sulu’s seats remain in question," Mitmug explained.
"The current setup must be adjusted, and extending the electoral timeline to 2026 allows us the time needed to address this with precision," he further explained.
Both MPs underscored that redistricting efforts must consider the unique composition of the Bangsamoro region, ensuring fair representation for all provinces.
"Every province and constituency in BARMM deserves an equal voice in the Parliament. Redistricting will allow us to respect the new political boundaries established by the Supreme Court’s decision, giving other areas the representation they deserve," Mawallil said.
The proposed adjustment to the 2026 election date is also intended to support the government employees in Sulu who are affected by the Supreme Court ruling.
Mitmug expressed concern for these employees, stating, "BARMM government employees in Sulu are going through a period of transition, and we need to provide them with the time and support they deserve. Resetting the elections to 2026 will ease their adjustment to this new reality."
Mawallil shared a similar view, pointing out that the transition affects not only the employees but also the communities they serve.
"Our public servants in Sulu are integral to the BARMM government’s work, and we cannot overlook their needs during this critical transition period. Extending the electoral timeline gives us the opportunity to ensure a smooth shift that maintains service continuity," Mawallil said.
Mitmug said that in addition to supporting Sulu-based employees, the proposed reset also provides BARMM leadership and Parliament with ample time to prepare and align governance strategies across all areas affected by the redistricting.
"Our priority is stability and continuity for our people. With the added time, we can reassess and restructure our approach, ensuring that our governance reflects the new jurisdictional realities post-Supreme Court decision," Mitmug said. ###
Mawallil highlighted the importance of redistricting within BARMM following the Supreme Court decision, noting that Sulu’s exclusion from the region directly impacts the distribution of parliamentary seats.
"The exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM necessitates a reconfiguration of parliamentary representation in the Bangsamoro," Mawallil stated.
"Sulu’s seven seats must now be reallocated, and this cannot be addressed adequately without careful legislative redistricting,” he added.
Mitmug argued that a recalibration of representation is crucial for ensuring equitable and accurate governance in BARMM.
"To ensure that the Bangsamoro people are truly represented, we need to revisit our districts and seat allocations, especially as Sulu’s seats remain in question," Mitmug explained.
"The current setup must be adjusted, and extending the electoral timeline to 2026 allows us the time needed to address this with precision," he further explained.
Both MPs underscored that redistricting efforts must consider the unique composition of the Bangsamoro region, ensuring fair representation for all provinces.
"Every province and constituency in BARMM deserves an equal voice in the Parliament. Redistricting will allow us to respect the new political boundaries established by the Supreme Court’s decision, giving other areas the representation they deserve," Mawallil said.
The proposed adjustment to the 2026 election date is also intended to support the government employees in Sulu who are affected by the Supreme Court ruling.
Mitmug expressed concern for these employees, stating, "BARMM government employees in Sulu are going through a period of transition, and we need to provide them with the time and support they deserve. Resetting the elections to 2026 will ease their adjustment to this new reality."
Mawallil shared a similar view, pointing out that the transition affects not only the employees but also the communities they serve.
"Our public servants in Sulu are integral to the BARMM government’s work, and we cannot overlook their needs during this critical transition period. Extending the electoral timeline gives us the opportunity to ensure a smooth shift that maintains service continuity," Mawallil said.
Mitmug said that in addition to supporting Sulu-based employees, the proposed reset also provides BARMM leadership and Parliament with ample time to prepare and align governance strategies across all areas affected by the redistricting.
"Our priority is stability and continuity for our people. With the added time, we can reassess and restructure our approach, ensuring that our governance reflects the new jurisdictional realities post-Supreme Court decision," Mitmug said. ###
PNP PRO BAR Prepares Nearly 5,000 Police Personnel To Ensure a Peaceful and Orderly Conduct of Filing of Certificate of Candidacy
Diane Hora | iMINDSPH
Cotabato City -The Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) has beefed up security for the scheduled filing of Certificates of Candidacy from October 1 to October 8, 2024.
PNP PRO BAR is set to deploy 4,888 police personnel in 119 municipalities and cities under their area of responsibility, covering Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Cotabato City.
This deployment comprises 1,468 personnel assigned to secure routes and checkpoints, 1,294 Civil Disturbance Management Contingents, 1,232 security personnel, 544 for convoy security, and 350 designated as Quick Reactionary Forces.
PNP PRO BAR is currently on Full Alert Status to intensify security and operational readiness for the process.
The PNP PRO BAR said they want to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially candidates filing their COCs in the region, by closely coordinating with various government and law enforcement agencies while maintaining a neutral and apolitical stance throughout the filing process until the May 2025 Midterm Elections to uphold a safe and orderly environment.
Cotabato City -The Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) has beefed up security for the scheduled filing of Certificates of Candidacy from October 1 to October 8, 2024.
PNP PRO BAR is set to deploy 4,888 police personnel in 119 municipalities and cities under their area of responsibility, covering Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Cotabato City.
This deployment comprises 1,468 personnel assigned to secure routes and checkpoints, 1,294 Civil Disturbance Management Contingents, 1,232 security personnel, 544 for convoy security, and 350 designated as Quick Reactionary Forces.
PNP PRO BAR is currently on Full Alert Status to intensify security and operational readiness for the process.
The PNP PRO BAR said they want to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially candidates filing their COCs in the region, by closely coordinating with various government and law enforcement agencies while maintaining a neutral and apolitical stance throughout the filing process until the May 2025 Midterm Elections to uphold a safe and orderly environment.
BARMM Lawmaker Urges Refinement of BAA No. 58 Before BARMM Parliamentary Election
Teddy Borja | iMINDSPH
Cotabato City -Member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, Michael Midtimbang, emphasized the need to amend the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 58 or the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Districts Act of 2024” before proceeding with the Parliamentary Election.
“Dapat ayusin muna ang batas bago mag eleksyon”’ Midtimbang said.
This call was highlighted through Resolution Nos. 631 and 632, presented by Midtimbang in the BTA Parliament.
The resolutions call on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to reschedule the deadline for filing Certificates of Candidacy for the BARMM Parliamentary Election and urge lawmakers in the House of Representatives and the Senate to adjust the election schedule in the region to allow ample time for amending Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 58.
“Nakasaad sa BOL na 80 ang members ng parliament. 40 ang party-list, 32 ang parliamentary district, 8 ang sector. So natanggal ang Sulu sa BARMM, na-allocate sa Sulu ang 7 na. parliamentary district. So pag naalis ang 7 sa parliamentary district, ang ibig sabihin, yung ginawa ng parliament na BAA No. 58, hindi na magkaroon ng batas yan, kasi nawala yung pitong parliamentary district. Bago tayo mag eleksyon sa BARMM, dapat ma-amend ang BAA No. 58,” MP Midtimbang reiterated.
The lawmaker underscored in the resolutions the importance of providing enough time for the proper refinement of the law concerning parliamentary districts in the region.
COMELEC has set the filing of COCs for BARMM Parliamentary Districts and nominees of the Regional Parliamentary Political Party from November 4 to November 9.
The two (2) resolutions are now with the Committee on Rules and are expected to be consolidated with two similar resolutions having the same objective.
Cotabato City -Member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, Michael Midtimbang, emphasized the need to amend the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 58 or the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Districts Act of 2024” before proceeding with the Parliamentary Election.
“Dapat ayusin muna ang batas bago mag eleksyon”’ Midtimbang said.
This call was highlighted through Resolution Nos. 631 and 632, presented by Midtimbang in the BTA Parliament.
The resolutions call on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to reschedule the deadline for filing Certificates of Candidacy for the BARMM Parliamentary Election and urge lawmakers in the House of Representatives and the Senate to adjust the election schedule in the region to allow ample time for amending Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 58.
“Nakasaad sa BOL na 80 ang members ng parliament. 40 ang party-list, 32 ang parliamentary district, 8 ang sector. So natanggal ang Sulu sa BARMM, na-allocate sa Sulu ang 7 na. parliamentary district. So pag naalis ang 7 sa parliamentary district, ang ibig sabihin, yung ginawa ng parliament na BAA No. 58, hindi na magkaroon ng batas yan, kasi nawala yung pitong parliamentary district. Bago tayo mag eleksyon sa BARMM, dapat ma-amend ang BAA No. 58,” MP Midtimbang reiterated.
The lawmaker underscored in the resolutions the importance of providing enough time for the proper refinement of the law concerning parliamentary districts in the region.
COMELEC has set the filing of COCs for BARMM Parliamentary Districts and nominees of the Regional Parliamentary Political Party from November 4 to November 9.
The two (2) resolutions are now with the Committee on Rules and are expected to be consolidated with two similar resolutions having the same objective.
MILF Steps Up Amnesty Efforts as Many Members Want to Participate in the Electoral Process
Che Vicente | iMINDSPH
Cotabato City -The Technical Working Group on Amnesty of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has dedicated efforts towards the submission of amnesty applications by their members.
MILF’s TWG on Amnesty member, Member of Parliament Baileng Mantawil said “September 10 and 11, pumunta sa manila ang Technicwal Working Group ng MILF on Amnesty in parternship with NAC, nilakad natin yung mga applicants natin sa Camp Bagong Diwa at National Bilibid Prison. Sinamahan tayo ng LAB NCR, may naprocess tayo na 14 PDLS, ito ay one stop processing. Given nga sa layo ng Manila. Dinala na natin doon ang mga verifier, endorser para magcertify sa kanila na mga miyembro talaga sila ng MILF.”
The National Amnesty Commission has recorded 113 amnesty applications from MILF members as of September 20, 2024.
A total of 37 applications were filed with the Local Amnesty Board in Cotabato City on August 30, including 21 MILF front commanders, some of whom are already members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.
MP Mantawil said that approximately 500 more group members are expected to file for amnesty, including persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and those who have posted bail.
“Meron kasi kami noon na nasa listahan, pero yong iba sumakabilang buhay na. Yung iba hindi ko alam kung na parole ba or kung naasan sila, nalipat ba? Kasi ang pagkaka alam ko on going yung construction ng colony na bago sa Mindoro but ang importante wala naman pa sa ngayon na tumatawag sa amin na mga relatives nung mga nasa bagong diwa o nbp na napag-iwanan so sabi namin sa mga PDL na process namin na patawagin lang sa amin,” MP Mantawil said.
After attending to PDLs in various prisons nationwide, the MILF will introduce one-stop processing for amnesty applications in collaboration with the NAC in MILF camps.
The MILF TWG on Amnesty aims to submit a significant number of amnesty applications to the NAC before the month ends.
“Ang hinahabol kasi natin dito ay malapit na ang filing at marami pong miyembro ng MILF na may mga kaso who wants to participate in this democratic process,” MP Mantawil emphasized.
Since the amnesty application process began under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the NAC has accepted a total of 972 applications, including two from former RPMP-RPA-ABB members, 807 from former CPP-NPA-NDF members, 113 from MILF members, and 50 from MNLF members.
Cotabato City -The Technical Working Group on Amnesty of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has dedicated efforts towards the submission of amnesty applications by their members.
MILF’s TWG on Amnesty member, Member of Parliament Baileng Mantawil said “September 10 and 11, pumunta sa manila ang Technicwal Working Group ng MILF on Amnesty in parternship with NAC, nilakad natin yung mga applicants natin sa Camp Bagong Diwa at National Bilibid Prison. Sinamahan tayo ng LAB NCR, may naprocess tayo na 14 PDLS, ito ay one stop processing. Given nga sa layo ng Manila. Dinala na natin doon ang mga verifier, endorser para magcertify sa kanila na mga miyembro talaga sila ng MILF.”
The National Amnesty Commission has recorded 113 amnesty applications from MILF members as of September 20, 2024.
A total of 37 applications were filed with the Local Amnesty Board in Cotabato City on August 30, including 21 MILF front commanders, some of whom are already members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.
MP Mantawil said that approximately 500 more group members are expected to file for amnesty, including persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and those who have posted bail.
“Meron kasi kami noon na nasa listahan, pero yong iba sumakabilang buhay na. Yung iba hindi ko alam kung na parole ba or kung naasan sila, nalipat ba? Kasi ang pagkaka alam ko on going yung construction ng colony na bago sa Mindoro but ang importante wala naman pa sa ngayon na tumatawag sa amin na mga relatives nung mga nasa bagong diwa o nbp na napag-iwanan so sabi namin sa mga PDL na process namin na patawagin lang sa amin,” MP Mantawil said.
After attending to PDLs in various prisons nationwide, the MILF will introduce one-stop processing for amnesty applications in collaboration with the NAC in MILF camps.
The MILF TWG on Amnesty aims to submit a significant number of amnesty applications to the NAC before the month ends.
“Ang hinahabol kasi natin dito ay malapit na ang filing at marami pong miyembro ng MILF na may mga kaso who wants to participate in this democratic process,” MP Mantawil emphasized.
Since the amnesty application process began under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the NAC has accepted a total of 972 applications, including two from former RPMP-RPA-ABB members, 807 from former CPP-NPA-NDF members, 113 from MILF members, and 50 from MNLF members.
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