Basilan, Philippines — In a decisive move, ten out of the twelve mayors of Basilan province have formally voiced their support for a one-year reset of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections, originally scheduled to coincide with the 2025 local and senatorial elections. The mayors, in a unified position paper, argue that the postponement would promote stability, strengthen security, and allow for thorough preparations for BARMM’s first parliamentary elections.
The mayors supporting this reset include City Mayor Roderick H. Furigay of Lamitan City, and Municipal Mayors Nasser A. Abubakar of Lantawan, Moner S. Manisan of Tabuan Lasa, Jomar M. Maturan of Ungkaya Pukan, Jaydeefar J. Lajid of Albarka, Alih A. Sali of Akbar, Arsina Kahing-Nanoh of Muhtamad, Jul-Adnan P. Hataman of Sumisip, Arcam P. Istarul of Tipo-Tipo, and Talib G. Pawaki of Hj. Muhammad Ajul. Their stance aligns with the recent advocacy of five BARMM governors, including Basilan’s Governor Jim Salliman, who back Senate Bill No. 2862 and House Bill No. 11034, both calling for the proposed one-year postponement.
The mayors outlined the benefits of resetting the parliamentary elections, emphasizing that separating them from the 2025 local and senatorial elections would consolidate the gains made through the BARMM peace process. They further highlighted the importance of aligning the election with the region’s ongoing decommissioning programs, which aim to reduce violence during the election period by addressing the issue of loose firearms. “Basilan, with its history of conflicts fueled by firearm prevalence, stands to benefit significantly from these efforts,” the mayors stated.
Given that this will be BARMM’s first parliamentary election, the Basilan mayors argued that the regional government must ensure robust preparation to make the elections meaningful. They noted that a one-year delay would allow the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to complete essential post-redistricting tasks following a potential amendment to the districting law. This period, they argued, would also allow time for COMELEC and BARMM officials to focus on educating the electorate, emphasizing the significance of voter participation for achieving genuine autonomy.
The mayors also pointed to several structural factors justifying the need for the reset, including the need to amend Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 58, which governs the districting of municipalities and other areas within BARMM. This need has been amplified by the recent Supreme Court ruling that removes Sulu from BARMM, creating a legal vacuum in the districting law on seat allocation within the 80-member parliament. “We owe it to our people to make their voices heard, especially in the redistricting process,” the mayors stated, underscoring the importance of fair representation.
If the call for a reset is approved, the president will be granted authority to appoint interim members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), who will serve for the duration of the one-year transition period. This provision is included in Section 2 of the proposed Senate bill.
“As local chief executives of our respective local government units, we are committed to what is best for our people,” the mayors concluded. “We believe that things of quality have no fear of time. Delay is not denial; it is the refining process that prepares the Bangsamoro people for something greater.”
With strong local support for the reset, the Basilan mayors’ call reflects a shared vision across the region for a smooth, stable, and well-prepared transition toward BARMM’s first historic parliamentary elections.
