Senator Legarda condemns violence in historic BARMM parliamentary polls

Senator Loren Legarda hailed the inaugural regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as a historic milestone in the region’s transition toward full democratic self-governance, while firmly calling for accountability following election-related violence.

The September 14 polls marked the region's formal transition from the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority to its first fully elected Parliament.

“History was written in the Bangsamoro yesterday. After generations who endured conflict and uncertainty, the people held in their hands the most powerful instrument of democracy—the ballot,” Legarda said.

“Every vote cast carried with it the hopes of a people who have fought long and hard for peace, dignity, and the right to shape their own future.”

Legarda served as co-author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12317, the legislation governing the timeline for the region's first regular parliamentary elections.

She previously co-chaired the Philippine Congress–Bangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBPF) and chaired its Senate panel.

“For many years, the Bangsamoro peace process was carried forward through negotiations, agreements, legislation, and the difficult work of building institutions,” Legarda emphasized.

“The September 14 elections gave the Bangsamoro people the opportunity to choose their leaders under the parliamentary system envisioned for the region. That achievement deserves recognition and protection.

”However, the Senator stressed that the election's historical significance must not obscure the violent incidents reported during polling day. Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson George Garcia reported two separate shooting incidents in Cotabato City that resulted in four fatalities and left 18 others wounded.

“At the very moment when the Bangsamoro people were exercising their right to choose their leaders, lives were lost and families were left grieving. I condemn these acts in the strongest terms,” Legarda declared.

“Walang puwang ang karahasan at pananakot sa isang halalang bunga ng mahabang proseso ng kapayapaan at pagkilala sa karapatan ng Bangsamoro na pamahalaan ang kanilang sariling rehiyon.”

She added: “No political ambition, rivalry, or disagreement can justify violence. The will of the people must be determined by their votes, never by fear, intimidation, or force.

”Legarda urged election officials and law enforcement agencies to conduct swift investigations, secure affected communities, and prosecute perpetrators based on evidence.

She also appealed to candidates, political leaders, and supporters to honor the election results and refrain from actions that could destabilize local communities or undermine trust in the democratic process.

Looking ahead, Legarda noted that the newly elected parliamentary representatives now face the crucial responsibility of translating autonomy into transparent and responsive governance.

“The measure of this historic election will not end when the last ballot is counted,” Legarda said.

“It will be measured by whether communities become safer, whether children have greater opportunities to learn, whether families can build dignified livelihoods, and whether the people of Bangsamoro, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or political affiliation, can see themselves represented in their government.

”She reaffirmed Congress’s commitment to collaborating with the incoming Bangsamoro Parliament as it strengthens its regional institutions under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.“We reached this historic moment because generations of Filipinos, especially the Bangsamoro people, chose, again and again, to believe that peace was possible,” Legarda reflected.

“Some of them did not live to see this election. We honor their sacrifices by protecting what has been built and by ensuring that democracy takes deeper root in the Bangsamoro.

”Congratulating the newly elected members of Parliament, Legarda described their mandate as both a profound distinction and a heavy civic duty.“I congratulate the newly elected members of the Bangsamoro Parliament on the trust placed in them by the Bangsamoro people,” Legarda concluded.

“As the first elected leaders of the Parliament, you have a unique opportunity to shape this new chapter in the region’s history through principled, inclusive, and responsive leadership. The work does not end with this historic election. We must continue it together.”

-Paraluman News