Diane Hora | iMINDSPH
Cotabato City —Leading political parties in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) met in Makati on Wednesday, April 24.
During the meeting, an alliance was formed and launched ahead of the 2025 polls.
The coalition consists of the Bangsamoro Peoples Party (BPP), Al Ittihad-UKB Party, and the Serbisyong Inklusibo Alyansang Progresibo (SIAP) Party, along with key political figures including Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu is pushing for an orderly, honest and peaceful synchronized national, local and first parliamentary elections in the region in 2025.
According to TESDA Director-General Sec. Teng Mangudadatu, former governor of Sultan Kudarat and stalwart of Al Ittihad-UKB Party, the alliance aims to uphold the gains of the peace process in BARMM, including pursuing peaceful elections and a government with equal representation.
Mangudadatu emphasized his party's recognition of the importance of unity for peace in a region characterized by cultural and ethnic diversity.
Mangudadatu added that the alliance signifies their determination to foster widespread understanding across all sectors of society, with the parties prepared to set aside politics for the betterment of the Bangsamoro region.
Lanao del Sur Gov. Bombit Adiong of the SIAP Party echoed the principles of inclusive governance and development, peace and unity, and respect for the BARMM peace process on which the alliance was founded.
Adiong called on other political parties in BARMM to join their alliance to increase the chances of a peaceful election next year, ensuring the people's voices prevail.
He emphasized that a peaceful election signifies a democratic society that values justice, equality, and respect for human rights.
Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, founder of the BPP, highlighted how a free election manifests their collective struggle for self-determination and self-governance, allowing every citizen in BARMM to choose their leaders without fear.
Hataman stressed the sacredness of the people's right to vote, a fundamental principle that all parties must respect.
Sulu Gov. Tan emphasized the leaders' responsibility to uphold the sanctity of elections and safeguard the integrity of the people's votes, recognizing the sacrifices made for peace and democracy in the region to secure a prosperous future for BARMM residents.
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