House of Representatives Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Lone District Rep. Mujiv Hataman (File photo)
MANILA – Three political parties in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have formed an alliance to ensure that the upcoming 2025 Bangsamoro Parliament Election will be honest, orderly and peaceful.
In a news release on Thursday, the Bangsamoro Peoples Party (BPP), the Al Ittihad-UKB Party and the Serbisyong Inklusibo Alyansang Progresibo (SIAP) Party, along with political figures such as Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, formed a new political alliance during a meeting in Makati on Wednesday.
Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, a founder and stalwart of the BPP, said peaceful elections are the cornerstone of democracy, emphasizing that the collective fight for self-determination and self-governance would reap success if the "sacredness of the people's vote" is protected.
“It is a manifestation of our collective struggle for self-determination and self-governance, wherein every citizen has the right to choose who they want to govern them freely and without fear. It is our duty to safeguard the sacredness of the people's vote and to ensure that the electoral process remains a true expression of the will of the people,” Hataman said.
Lanao del Sur Governor Bombit Adiong of the SIAP Party called on other political parties in BARMM to join the coalition and pledge their commitment to peaceful and orderly elections in 2025.
"By coming together in solidarity, we can create an atmosphere conducive to peaceful and fair elections, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard and respected,” Adiong said.
He said the alliance is built upon the principles of inclusive governance and development, peace and unity, and a shared commitment to BARMM and the peace process.
“A peaceful election is the hallmark of a democratic society, reflecting our commitment to the principles of justice, equality and respect for human rights and this very democratic exercise,” he added.
Aside from ensuring a fair and peaceful regional electoral exercise next year, Al Ittihad-UKB Party stalwart and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu said the alliance's goals include promoting peace and unity, inclusive governance and development, and the full consummation of the peace process in the Bangsamoro region.
“As representatives of diverse communities within BARMM, we recognize the importance of solidarity for peace and unity in a region marked by cultural and ethnic diversity,” Mangudadatu said.
“Our alliance stands as a testament to our determination to foster harmony and understanding among all sectors of society, transcending political differences for the greater good of our region,” he added.
Tan, for his part, called on the BARMM leaders to protect the sanctity of the electoral process and uphold the integrity of the people's vote.
“By doing so, we honor the sacrifices of those who have fought for peace and democracy in our region, and we pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all residents of BARMM,” Tan said. “Let us work tirelessly to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and to promote a culture of peace and reconciliation in BARMM. By doing so, we can pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for all residents of the region."
The Bangsamoro parliamentary elections will elect the successors of the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament members. (PNA)
