BARMM governors advance efforts for lasting peace, strong rule of law

Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines —The five (5) Governors of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao affirm their commitment to further strengthen their joint efforts in promoting rule of law, peace & order, and inclusive governance and development in the BARMM.

This is according to the BARMM Governors Caucus or BGC, officially launched in this city on June 6, 2023, as a platform to promote the common issues of the constituents of the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the BARMM as well as to engage other stakeholders in dialogue on these issues.

The BGC, created after a series of consultative talks, is composed of the Provincial Governors of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. "The BGC is fully supportive of the peace process and the BARMM and thru the BGC, the Governors will foster cooperation with national and regional governments and multi-sectoral groups, employing data driven decision-making to promote the rights and welfare of our constituents," Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr, acting as the spokesperson for the group said. Governor Adiong also disclosed the three key areas that the Caucus has identified as priorities: Rule of Law, Peace and Order, and Inclusive Governance and Development.

Governor Adiong underscored the significance of structuring and maintaining orderly peace and development in the region. "It is a shared responsibility among the national and regional governments, local government units (LGUs), and law enforcement agencies. To improve coordination in law enforcement and address security challenges, the BGC will actively engage with law enforcement agencies, the peace mechanisms and other relevant agencies," Governor Adiong emphasized. Additionally, the BGC is monitoring and supporting the swift completion of the decommissioning process and has expressed its readiness to work with national and regional agencies, decommissioning bodies, and peace mechanisms to this end.

Governor Adiong Jr. further stressed the BGC's commitment to enhancing coordination between national and regional governments, peace mechanisms, and relevant agencies. "Our objective is to ensure effective law enforcement and to expedite the decommissioning process. The BGC will also advocate for the equitable allocation of public funds and for greater representation, and participation of citizens in governance across diverse geographical, political, and ethnic groups in the region" he said.

They aim to facilitate citizen and group involvement in development and governance processes thru electoral policies that promote inclusivity. The BGC also called for the convening of the Council of Leaders in the BARMM to enhance LGU and sectoral group representation in regional governance.

"We are open to collaborating with stakeholders who share similar advocacies and are eager to explore common grounds with others to attain sustainable peace and development in the region," he said.