One of the biggest surprises during last week’s BARMM candidacy filing period was Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua’s decision to run in the first parliamentary election without officially declaring a political party. Source: Bangsamoro Parliament

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has officially entered a historic political transition after candidates began filing their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the region’s first parliamentary elections. The process marks a major milestone in the implementation of the 2014 peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which ended decades of armed conflict in southern Philippines.

After years of delays and uncertainty, the elections are now scheduled for September 14, 2026, with political parties, former rebel leaders, and regional alliances competing for influence in the new parliamentary government.

More Than 100 Candidates Join Historic BARMM Race

Data released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) showed that 108 aspirants filed COCs during the three-day filing period from May 5 to May 7. The filings include 33 candidates from Lanao del Sur, 17 from Basilan, 16 from Maguindanao del Sur, 11 each from Maguindanao del Norte and Cotabato City, 13 from Tawi-Tawi, and seven from the Special Geographic Area.

"Comelec Chairman George Garcia said all submitted candidacies would be reviewed by the commission en banc before the final list of names is approved for printing on official ballots."

A total of 32 parliamentary district representatives will be elected across the region. These seats form part of the broader 80-member BARMM parliament, which will replace the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority that has governed the autonomous region since 2019. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said all submitted candidacies would be reviewed by the commission en banc before the final list of names is approved for printing on official ballots.

The opening of the filing period attracted large crowds and heavy security deployments in several provinces, especially in Marawi City and Cotabato City, where political parties formally launched their campaigns.

UBJP Wins Accreditation After Legal Challenge

One of the biggest developments during the filing period involved the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political party associated with the MILF.

"The ruling also carried symbolic importance because the UBJP represents the MILF’s transition from an armed revolutionary movement into an electoral political force under the Bangsamoro peace process."

The party’s accreditation had initially been delayed after opposition petitions accused the UBJP of violating election laws, including allegations of displaying armed fighters during assemblies and receiving foreign funding. On May 6, however, the Comelec officially granted accreditation to the UBJP, clearing the party to participate in the first BARMM parliamentary elections.

In its ruling, the poll body rejected claims that the UBJP should automatically be considered an armed organization because of its relationship with the MILF. The commission stated that being the MILF’s political arm did not constitute proof of direct involvement in armed activities. The Comelec also dismissed allegations of foreign funding, saying the accusations lacked documentary evidence.

The decision removed major uncertainty surrounding the elections and allowed UBJP candidates to formally run under the party banner during the final days of filing. The ruling also carried symbolic importance because the UBJP represents the MILF’s transition from an armed revolutionary movement into an electoral political force under the Bangsamoro peace process.

Alliances and Independent Candidates Reshape the Political Landscape

Even with the UBJP accreditation resolved, BARMM politics remains highly fluid. Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy” Macacua filed his candidacy for Maguindanao del Norte without formally declaring party affiliation, leading election officials to classify him as an independent candidate.

"Political leaders across BARMM increasingly expect that no single party will dominate the 80-seat parliament, making alliances essential for governance after the elections."

Macacua, who serves as secretary general of the UBJP, has nevertheless received endorsements from multiple political groups, including the Mahardika Party linked to Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari and the Bangsamoro Federalist Party.

Meanwhile, regional parties such as Serbisyong Inklusibo-Alyansang Progresibo have already announced coalition-building efforts ahead of the September vote. Political leaders across BARMM increasingly expect that no single party will dominate the 80-seat parliament, making alliances essential for governance after the elections.

Security and Stability Remain Central Concerns

The Philippine National Police reported no major security threats during the filing period despite heightened monitoring and checkpoint operations across the region. Authorities described the peaceful filing process as an encouraging sign for the Bangsamoro transition, particularly in areas long affected by insurgency, clan rivalries, and election violence.

"That transition carries particular significance in provinces such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, where questions of representation, autonomy, and political legitimacy remain deeply connected to local stability."

Still, the elections remain closely tied to the broader peace process. The shift from armed struggle to parliamentary competition continues to face political, legal, and security challenges, especially as former rebel organizations adapt to civilian governance.

That transition carries particular significance in provinces such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, where questions of representation, autonomy, and political legitimacy remain deeply connected to local stability. As BARMM moves toward its first elected parliament, many communities across the southern Philippines are watching whether the region’s institutions can transform fragile peace into lasting political trust.

REFERENCES

Inquirer. (2026, May 6). PNP reports no threats during BARMM COC filing period. Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.net

Inquirer. (2026, May 6). Comelec grants accreditation to MILF party for BARMM polls. Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.net

MindaNews. (2026, May 7). Macacua files candidacy as independent. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com

MindaNews. (2026, May 6). Monitoring team warns major blow to peace process if MILF political party is excluded from 2026 polls. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com

MindaNews. (2026, May 6). BARMM’s 1st parliamentary polls officially begin as bets file COCs. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com

SunStar. (2026, May 8). Over 100 file COCs for BARMM elections. SunStar. https://www.sunstar.com.ph