A May 2024 survey by IAG Research finds that the majority of likely voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) lack awareness of the new voting system and key features of the upcoming 2025 regional parliamentary elections. With the elections only a year away, the findings highlight significant gaps in voter education.
In a significant move towards peace and security, over 40 peace agents from Western Mindanao convened to evaluate the status of peace and security in the Zamboanga Peninsula and the island provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The fight for ancestral domain rights and recognition for NMIPs in the BARMM is complex and ongoing. Whether Bill No. 273 is revised to address their concerns and how the broader challenges of displacement and delayed titling are resolved will be crucial in determining the true inclusivity of the Bangsamoro peace process.
Read more: Non-Moro Indigenous Leaders Fear Ancestral Land Loss in Proposed Bangsamoro Law
The future of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the BARMM remains uncertain. The public consultations on Bill No. 273 offer a glimmer of hope, but the concerns raised by the NMIP leaders highlight the complexities of achieving genuine peace and lasting recognition within the Bangsamoro.
The visit aimed to engage with local and regional officials, as well as civil society, to deepen understanding of the nuances of the region’s pursuit for autonomy. The 2-day itinerary was packed with insightful engagements, offering a window into the region's journey towards self-governance and empowerment.
Read more: IAG Conducts Learning Visit to Deepen Understanding of Cordillera's Push for Autonomy