Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Francis Pangilinan have appealed for calm, political restraint, and heightened security measures as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) prepares to conduct its landmark parliamentary elections on September 14, 2026, following four previous delays.
Senate Majority Leader Zubiri pressed candidates, political parties, and voters to uphold democratic principles while firmly rejecting political violence and voter intimidation.
“I welcome this historic moment with hope that the Bangsamoro people will finally be able to choose their leaders through a peaceful, orderly, and credible democratic process,” Zubiri stated.
He tasked election officials and state security personnel to maintain strict neutrality and ensure safe access to polling centers for all citizens, emphasizing the need to safeguard the hard-won achievements of the region’s peace negotiations.
“Let us protect those gains by allowing the people to choose their leaders in peace and by respecting the voice of the electorate once the votes are counted,” Zubiri added.
Concurrently, Senator Francis Pangilinan urged the military and police forces to step up presence across the region following reports of rising political friction in key areas.
“Nananawagan tayo sa Comelec, PNP, AFP, mga kandidato, mga lokal na opisyal, dating combatant, mga community at religious leader, mga taga suporta ng mga kandidato at bawat residente na gawin ang kanilang bahagi nang may pagpipigil, tapang, at paggalang sa kagustuhan ng mamamayan,” Pangilinan said.
Both lawmakers reinforced that maintaining order during the election is vital to securing a stable and democratic future for the autonomous region.