29/07/2026
ππ’π©. π π¨πππ© πππ§ππ ππ‘ πππππ¦ ππ’π₯ ππ₯ππ, π£ππππππ¨π, ππ‘π ππ₯ππππππ πππ₯π¦π§ πππ₯π π π£ππ₯ππππ ππ‘π§ππ₯π¬ πππππ§ππ’π‘
LAMITAN CITY β People's Governor Mujiv Hataman underscored the historic importance of the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Election, calling on all stakeholders to ensure that the electoral exercise will be not only peaceful but also free and credible.
Speaking during the Provincial Multi-Sectoral Covenant Signing for a Safe and Peaceful BARMM Parliamentary Election at the Lamitan City Gymnasium on Wednesday, Governor Hataman described the event as a significant milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process.
"Napakahalaga ng event na ito. Alam natin ito ang kauna-unahang BARMM Parliamentary Election. Ayon sa agreement ng MNLF at M**F, itong parliamentary election ang isa sa pinakamahalagang bahagi ng usaping pangkapayapaan," Hataman said.
The governor explained that while the parliamentary election marks a major achievement under the peace agreements, the normalization process is still ongoing, making it essential to safeguard the gains of peace by ensuring a successful electoral process.
Hataman stressed that elections are among the most important foundations of democracy because they provide every qualified voter the opportunity to freely choose their leaders.
"Tiyakin na lang natin na maging mapayapa at maging malaya ang halalan. Tandaan natin, ang eleksyon ay isa sa pinakamahalagang elemento ng demokrasya dahil ito lang ang pagkakataon ng bawat botante na makapili ng lider na gusto nila," he said.
He emphasized that peace alone does not guarantee the credibility of an election if voters are deprived of the freedom to make their own choices.
"Maaaring mapayapa ang halalan, pero maaari ring mapayapa ang halalan na hindi credible dahil hindi malaya ang mga kababayan natin sa pagpili ng kanilang mga lider. Dito sa ating lalawigan, bunga ito ng sakripisyo at mahabang proseso ng usaping pangkapayapaan kaya tiyakin natin na hindi lang mapayapa kundi maging malaya rin ang halalan," the governor added.
Describing the upcoming polls as a special election in the history of the Bangsamoro, Hataman urged candidates, election officials, security forces, teachers, and all stakeholders to work together in protecting the integrity of the democratic process.
Expressing confidence in the efforts of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other sectors, Hataman said a clean and credible election is achievable if everyone performs their respective responsibilities.
He also appealed to candidates to conduct honest and respectful campaigns and to honour the decision of the electorate.
"Magkampanya tayo nang patas, ibenta natin ang sarili natin nang patas. Kung gusto tayo ng tao, salamat. Kung ayaw ng tao sa atin, salamat. Ang mahalaga ay igalang natin ang proseso ng pagpili ng mga lider," he said.
Despite openly supporting a political party, Governor Hataman assured the public that he would never use government resources, authority, or the power of his office to influence the choice of voters.
"Aasahan ninyo, kahit may sinusuportahan akong partido, hindi ko gagamitin ang resources ng pamahalaan, ang awtoridad at kapangyarihan na mayroon ako upang pilitin ang tao na pumili. Ang gagawin natin ay turuan at tulungan ang ating mga kababayan na malayang piliin kung sino ang karapat-dapat nilang maging lider," Hataman concluded.
The Provincial Multi-Sectoral Covenant Signing gathered representatives from the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, local government units, religious leaders, civil society organizations, educators, and other stakeholders, all of whom pledged their commitment to ensuring a peaceful, free, orderly, and credible first BARMM Parliamentary Election.[Richard Gregorio Falcatan]