ISAMA pushes accessible health services for all

“If you want to decentralize services to the ground, this is very much important in consonance with the program of making health services available to all without distinction.”
Mr. Abdulhussein M. Kashim of the Indigenous, Settlers, Sama and Minorities Alliance Party (ISAMA) emphasized the importance of decentralizing health services and bringing them closer to communities across the region.

Kashim said health programs should be available to all without distinction, stressing the need for accessible and equitable health services throughout the Bangsamoro.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

BFP calls for greater focus on agriculture to address poverty

“75% ng population natin ay nasa agriculture, fisheries, at forestry. Pero ang kino-contribute neto sa economy natin ay nasa 35% lamang.”
Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) highlighted the gap between the number of Bangsamoro residents dependent on agriculture, fisheries, and forestry and the sector’s contribution to the regional economy.

Sinarimbo said the government should focus on the 75% of the population engaged in these sectors to increase productivity and improve their quality of life, particularly in addressing poverty.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

Raayat Democratic Party pushes for stronger representation for women

“The biggest number of women representative of the top ten is in Raayat Democratic Party. We have 5 women representative to assure appropriate representation of the women in the Parliament.”
Atty. Jose Lorena of the Bangsamoro People’s Democratic Party (Raayat Democratic Party) emphasized the importance of ensuring women’s representation in the Bangsamoro Parliament. Lorena also said, “We take gender violence very seriously,” as he discussed gender equality. He proposed localizing the use of the 5% gender and development (GAD) budget to support women-centered programs and initiatives in communities.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

BEST Party calls for interagency action on land conflicts

“One of the main sources of conflict sa BARMM ay land conflict.”
Atty. Al-Rashid L. Balt of the Bangsamoro Empowerment and Social Transformation Party (BEST Party) said land disputes remain a major concern in the Bangsamoro, including issues involving Marawi rehabilitation, multiple land sales, undocumented properties, and ancestral domains.

“Kung hahayaan natin na ang BARMM lang ang mag-resolve, walang mangyayari jan.”
Balt called for an interagency task force, saying every ministry and LGU should be involved in finding solutions to land tenure and land justice issues.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

MORO Ako calls for Bangsamoro role in decommissioning talks

“There is an indispensable role of the Bangsamoro Government na maging broker between the national government and the militant groups.”
Atty. Najeeb Taib of the MORO Ako Party said the Bangsamoro Government has an important role in addressing loose firearms and private armed groups, particularly in negotiations concerning decommissioning. He emphasized the need for the Bangsamoro Government to act as a broker between the national government and militant groups to help advance the decommissioning process and address security concerns.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

Misuari turns emotional on Sulu decision, calls it “cradle of revolution”

Nur-Ainee Tan Lim Misuari of the MAHARDIKA Party became emotional as she spoke about Sulu’s exclusion from the BARMM, emphasizing the province’s deep historical and cultural significance to the Bangsamoro.

“Once a Bangsamoro, always a Bangsamoro. Sulu will always be the cradle of revolution.”

Misuari said Sulu’s martyrs will continue to be revered and honored, while stressing the need to pursue legal remedies, maintain dialogue with Sulu communities and their representatives, and ensure BARMM programs reach them despite the province’s exclusion.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

Loong calls for open economic zones in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi

“The island region is the front door in terms of economic development.”

Engr. Don Mustapha Arbison Loong of the Progresibong Bangsamoro Party (PRO-Bangsamoro) passionately highlighted the strategic position of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi as gateways for economic development in the Bangsamoro.

Loong said the focus should not only be on smuggling, but on creating a framework for open economic zones and free ports that would maximize the region’s strategic position and resources. He stressed that despite this advantage, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi have yet to fully benefit from it.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

ABOT, PBB back settlers’ rights and inclusive Bangsamoro

“Di po natin sasayangin ang ating nasimulan na interfaith dialogue kasama na doon ang culture of peace natin.”

Mr. Emran G. Mohammad of the Alliance of Bangsamoro Tri-People’s Party (ABOT Party) emphasized inclusivity for Moro, Indigenous Peoples, and settlers, including the concerns of Christian settlers, schools, churches, and other institutions. He stressed the importance of continuing interfaith dialogue and the culture of peace.

“Kailangan ng pagkakaintindihan at pagkakaunawaan para matamo ang pagkakaisa.”

Engr. Addie T. Unsi of the Partido Bangon Bangsamoro (PBB), also a product of Notre Dame University alongside Mohammad, expressed support for ABOT’s position, saying, “Ang PBB ay susuportahan po ang posisyon ng ABOT doon sa pagkilala ng karapatan ng settlers.” Unsi also pledged support for a Settlers Office with a dedicated budget to enable it to carry out its programs.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

BEST Party proposes dialogue to bridge political divisions

“Let’s invite the leaders of the different groups na umupo at patunayan na kaya nilang magkaisa.”

Atty. Al-Rashid L. Balt of the Bangsamoro Empowerment and Social Transformation Party (BEST Party) proposed bringing leaders of different groups together as a concrete activity to address political and social divisions in the Bangsamoro.

Balt also stressed that the Bangsamoro Government should lead conflict-sensitive interventions, emphasizing the need for inclusive efforts to address divisions and strengthen unity in the region.

BGC, BAPA push justice-based solutions to rido

“Sinusuportahan natin ang hybrid at restorative justice.”

Rido is a clan or family feud that can lead to repeated conflict and violence. Mr. Amir S. Mawalil of the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) called for the institutionalization of a dispute resolution framework across the Bangsamoro Government, with all agencies helping implement it. He identified land ownership and loose firearms among issues that can fuel rido, stressing the need for responsive land distribution and addressing its root causes.

Meanwhile, Atty. Omar Yasser C. Sema of the Bangsamoro Party (BAPA) argued that the root of rido is not simply land conflict but the failure to address crimes through the justice system. He called for greater access to justice and equal application of the law to prevent conflicts from escalating and recurring.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

UBJP backs national transitional justice commission

“Kung gusto natin ma-address ang historical injustices, hindi lamang ito sa Bangsamoro region, kundi sa buong Pilipinas.”

Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) called for the establishment of a National Transitional Justice Commission under the national government to address historical injustices and legitimate grievances.

Dumama-Alba said lasting peace requires justice, healing, and credible institutions. As one of the signatories to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, UBJP supports strengthening the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission through adequate funding, technical capacity, and legal and institutional protection, with communities and the ulama included in its implementation and governance.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

UBJP, BGC push greater political participation for women and PWDs

“Ako po ay isa sa living example of UBJP kung paano itinaas ng UBJP ang participation ng kababaihan.”

Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumama-Alba of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) highlighted women’s and persons with disabilities’ (PWDs) political participation as part of the party’s future advocacy. She cited the Bangsamoro Women Commission, women empowerment, political subsidy funds for women candidates, and gender-based audits as pathways to strengthen women’s representation and participation.

Meanwhile, Mr. Amir S. Mawalil of the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) said the coalition wants to work with all political parties and support initiatives that advance inclusion. Both parties pointed to the Bangsamoro Gender and Development Code and stronger institutional mandates as mechanisms for expanding political participation and representation.

Sema challenges Basher on national government interference

“Hindi ka matatakot sa national government?” — Atty. Omar Yasser C. Sema

A tense exchange unfolded between Atty. Omar Yasser C. Sema of the Bangsamoro Party (BAPA) and Dr. Alipikre R. Basher of the People’s Consultative (Mushawara) Party over electoral reform and possible national government interference in the BARMM elections. Sema clarified that it was a serious question, asking whether Basher would support reforms if interference occurs. Basher affirmed his commitment to an “honest and credible election,” saying they are “101%” committed to a credible electoral process.

When Sema followed with, “Hindi ka matatakot sa national government?”, Basher hesitated before cackling in response, drawing attention from the audience.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

Misuari urges responsible leadership as Kashim calls out government failures

“We have to take care of taxpayers’ money. Every family, every working-class family, every month nakikita nila sa payroll nila tax withheld. Can you imagine that money could’ve gone to one more sack of rice, one week’s worth of grocery?”

Nur-Ainee Tan Lim Misuari of the MAHARDIKA Party called for greater accountability in the use of public funds, pointing to BARMM’s underutilization of its block grant, limited absorptive capacity, and inefficiency in spending government funds.

Misuari recalled one of the messages she received from her father, Nur Misuari: “Control your nafs.” She said BARMM needs leaders who can restrain themselves, put people first, and use public funds for the Bangsamoro. Meanwhile, Mr. Abdulhussein M. Kashim of ISAMA described the situation bluntly: “This is a government of failure.” He said the government has a strong legal foundation to deliver resources to the people but has failed to do so.

Despite the criticisms, Misuari said there remains an opportunity for the Bangsamoro to “rise from the ashes,” particularly for undecided voters who are weighing their choices. She reminded the audience that “our children are watching” and that the region’s youth continue to dream of a better future.
Screenshot from Video via IAG/Facebook

Loong: Delayed services are an injustice to Bangsamoro

“Sangayon tayo sa decentralization kasi bakit natin i-centralize dito kung ang outcome ay kalahati ang nagagastos natin, kung ang outcome ay 2 years tayong delayed sa implementation. Because that is an injustice to the Bangsamoro people.”

Engr. Don Mustapha Arbison Loong of the Progresibong Bangsamoro Party (PRO-Bangsamoro) defended decentralization as a way to make government services more efficient and responsive to communities. He questioned the value of centralizing services when it results in lower spending outcomes and delays of up to two years in implementation.

Loong called the failure to deliver the gains of the Bangsamoro transition “the greatest injustice that could possibly happen,” saying that the “fruits of the revolution” may already be within reach, yet many Bangsamoro people remain unable to experience their benefits.

The COMELEC En Banc has reaffirmed its decision on the cancelation of the registration of Moro Ako Party as a regional parliamentary political party for the September 14 BARMM elections on Friday, August 28.

The decision came after the Commission granted a petition against the party over alleged misrepresentation and reaffirmed its decision after denying the motion for reconsideration filed by Moro Ako Party. | via Abdul Hafiz Malawani/Rappler

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1aqUniUr92/

An IAG exit poll also found that 38.1% of non-party-member attendees said the debate made it very clear which party platform they supported.

Ikaw, pagkatapos mapanood ang debate, may napipisil ka na bang political party na iboboto?

Nasa YouTube na rin ang debate kung gusto mong balikan o kung hindi mo pa napapanood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86NcJw1Fc3g

Good morning! @here Sharing our top story this morning: a look at the candidates running for parliamentary district seats in Maguindanao del Sur, in the upcoming BARMM elections. No surprise: many of them are scions of political families that have dominated the province's politics for decades. Read John Sitchon's explainer here: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/barmm-polls-2026-electoral-races-maguindanao-del-sur/

Hello! Only 6 days until the BARMM elections! @here If you haven't yet, we've inviting you to check out Rappler's BARMM Parliamentary Elections microsite. It's a one-stop shop for information and conversations about the elections. It includes the list of candidates and political parties, to help voters make the best choice next week. Here is the page: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/n42301217-barmm-parliamentary-elections-2026/

Representatives of civil society convene Tuesday, September 8, to urge President Ferdinand Marcos to “take seriously its responsibility” toward the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections. The coalition urges the national government to prevent actors outside the region from influencing the outcome of the elections and to assure political parties of the national government’s support for fulfilling the CAB. 

CHECK OUT COMELEC'S PRECINCT FINDER FOR BARMM ELECTIONS @here

To check which precinct you should go to on September 14, scan the QR code below or visit precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph.

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗢𝗪 | The Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) are formalizing their partnership through a Memorandum of Agreement signing today, September 11, at Tanghalang Michael Clark, Notre Dame University.

The signing takes place three days before the September 14 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, with the partnership aimed at strengthening election monitoring and legal support for the electoral process.

CHECK THIS YOUTH-LED BARMM MOCK ELECTION RESULTS!

Held from August 29 to September 6, it gathered 148 responses from young people across the Bangsamoro.

This youth-led, week-long BARMM mock election was organized by Ranow and KNAL edge Ranaw.

VISIT HERE: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Ena3yRmHb/

Heading to the polls in BARMM?

Comelec officers will help you with your concerns about casting your vote or about the situation at your polling precinct in the Voter Hotline 🗳 chat room.

Get updates and share your voting experience here in the Bangsamoro Voices chat room.

Thank you! @here

Good day! @here

We’re here right now at the Miting de Avance of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Today, September 12 is the last day of the campaigns. The official election day is on September 14.

The UBJP is holding their last campaign day at the Cotabato State University in Cotabato City, the regional center of the BARMM.

Supporters gather Saturday, September 12, at Central Pilot Elementary School in Cotabato City for the miting de avance of Bangsamoro Federalist Party. | via @Iya Gozum / Rappler @here

The atmosphere here in CSU is lively. For many residents here, it is going to be their first time to participate in an election and for others, it is the very first parliamentary elections to happen in the country—very different from the elections we’re used to.

You could say it’s somewhat “sui generis” or a one of a kind phenomenon.

They will be voting for members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, rather than lawmakers of the Philippine Congress or LGU officials. Then, there’s the fact that there are former members of the MILF who have become naturalized citizens of the BARMM will be joining.

More people arriving at the BFP grand rally and quickly filling up the open grounds at Central Pilot Elementary School.

Comelec releases breakdown of precincts and registered voters in the Bangsamoro region. Take a look here: