Update on the Peace Process in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao

Washington DC – Following the latest postponement of parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, the US-Philippines Society invited Haironesah Domado to lead an October 28 roundtable discussion on factors behind the election postponement and implications for peace and stability in the southern Philippines going forward.

A doctoral student at the Carter Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University, Ms. Domado had traveled through the BARMM recently and shared her findings, including,

•  How personnel shakeups in the MILF/BARMM governing structure have worked against a smooth election and the promise of increased stability.
• She described how differing views between key BARMM figures and the direction of national government entities affected the transition pathway.
• Ms. Domado also provided background on the legal issues and court decisions that stood as the proximate reason for the election postponement.

Until these issues and others can be resolved, the promise of enhanced stability expected from the implementation of an elections-based autonomous government in Muslim Mindanao will remain elusive.

New BARMM elections are now expected by the end of March 2026, providing additional time for work on the key issues facing leaders and voters in the region.