Marcos backs Bangsamoro autonomy, vows continued nat’l gov’t support

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday congratulated the duly elected members of the Bangsamoro Parliament and vowed continued support for a strong and autonomous Bangsamoro region.

In a message posted on his social media accounts, Marcos described the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections as “a historic milestone” in the region’s pursuit of self-governance and lasting peace.

READ: Coalition clinches numbers to form BARMM government

Marcos said the successful conduct of the elections showed that the political process is progressing well.

“The Bangsamoro people have long aspired for genuine autonomy and right to govern themselves. It is important to respect and uphold this aspiration, which lies at the heart of the Bangsamoro peace process,” Marcos said.

“The national government will continue to support a strong, autonomous, and peaceful Bangsamoro,” he added.

READ: LIST: Winning party, sectoral representatives in BARMM polls

Marcos also reiterated the national government’s respect for Bangsamoro autonomy and its democratic institutions following the announcement of a 46-member majority coalition.

“The national government acknowledges the coalition’s formation and its intention to constitute the Government of the Day through the appropriate parliamentary process,” he said.

Marcos said he respects the Parliament’s authority to determine its leadership in accordance with the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

“We look forward to working with the government formally constituted by Parliament in support of peace, stability, and inclusive development,” he said.

On Oct. 30, the elected members of the Bangsamoro Parliament will choose the region’s chief minister.

The current interim Chief Minister of BARMM is Abdulraof Macacua, who was appointed by Marcos in March 2025, succeeding Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim. /gsg