June 5, 2025 – Manila, Philippines
In a joint press conference held Thursday, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Senator Imee Marcos made a strong appeal to the national government, Congress, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and all stakeholders to uphold the scheduled Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections set for October 13, 2025.
MILF Vice Chairman and BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, speaking on behalf of the MILF Central Committee and Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, read an official statement calling on national leaders to reject any proposal that would once again delay the historic elections—the region’s first under its parliamentary form of government.
“We strongly appeal to our national leaders to refrain from entertaining any proposal that will again postpone this historic election to choose the regular Members of the Bangsamoro Parliament,” Iqbal said.
He emphasized the significance of finally allowing the Bangsamoro people to elect their own representatives, a key step in the region’s transition to a fully autonomous and democratically governed entity.
Senator Imee Marcos, who called the press conference, echoed the MILF’s concerns. She confirmed that both she and Iqbal had received reports that certain unnamed groups are working to push for another postponement—this time to 2028.
“Let us not waste the gains we had made through the peace process,” said Marcos, adding that any move to further delay the elections risks undermining the fragile peace and democratic foundations in the region.
The BARMM elections were originally scheduled for May 2022, but were first moved to May 2025 through Republic Act 11593 during the Duterte administration. A second postponement was enacted earlier this year under Republic Act 12123, shifting the date to October 13, 2025.
Iqbal stressed that the MILF is ready to participate in the election under the banner of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), whether they win or lose. He underscored the group’s commitment to a clean, fair, honest, and credible electoral process.
“This is the essence of democracy,” he said. “The MILF is ready to seek a legal mandate through the sovereign will of the Bangsamoro people.”
While no bill has yet been filed in Congress to seek another delay, the MILF remains concerned about ongoing discussions and urges the Senate and House of Representatives to guarantee that the October elections proceed as scheduled.
Iqbal concluded his statement by reminding the public and national leaders of the long and difficult peace negotiations that led to the creation of the BARMM.
“Peace in the Bangsamoro is precious but fragile. Let us not squander the progress we have made.”
The call to respect the election schedule marks a critical moment in the BARMM’s political development, as the region prepares for its first direct exercise of democratic governance through the parliamentary system.