Marawi City, October 19, 2024
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Grand Coalition (BGC) successfully held its party convention in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, as part of preparations for the historic 2025 BARMM Parliamentary Elections. Delegates from across the region gathered to finalize the selection of coalition members who will run in the upcoming elections, the first-ever parliamentary polls in BARMM.
The convention saw participation from key political figures and party members from the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of BARMM. Leading the event was BGC Party President Datu Abdulrahman Rubbil Mangudadatu, along with prominent figures such as former TESDA Secretary Datu Suharto Teng Mangudadatu, BARMM Minister of the Interior and Local Government Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, former Tawi-Tawi Governor Ruby Sahali, Mayor Hanie Bud of Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur Vice Governor Rakiin Adiong, and Mayor Ali Samandar.
The gathering marked a significant moment as the BGC formalized its preparations for the 2025 BARMM Parliamentary Elections. The leaders discussed strategies for fielding candidates who will represent the coalition in the polls, which are seen as a key step in advancing the autonomy and development of the Bangsamoro region.
Supporters of the BGC turned out in large numbers to express their solidarity and enthusiasm for the party’s chosen candidates. “This convention is a milestone for the BARMM Grand Coalition as we strive to bring capable leaders into the parliamentary fold who will advocate for peace, development, and self-governance in the Bangsamoro region,” said Party President Datu Abdulrahman Rubbil Mangudadatu during his address.
The 2025 BARMM Parliamentary Elections are highly anticipated, as they will be the first since the creation of the autonomous region under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in 2018. The elections will allow residents to elect representatives who will govern the region’s parliamentary system, a unique governance structure in the Philippines.
Key topics during the convention included the selection process for candidates, campaign strategies, and the coalition’s platform, which focuses on socio-economic development, education, and ensuring lasting peace in the region. The leaders emphasized unity and collaboration among the coalition’s various factions to achieve electoral success.
As BARMM continues its transition towards self-governance, the 2025 elections are seen as a critical test of the region’s ability to exercise democratic control and address long-standing issues such as poverty, infrastructure development, and regional security.
The BGC convention concluded with a strong message of hope and determination, with its leaders reaffirming their commitment to the vision of a peaceful and prosperous Bangsamoro region.
