5 BARMM governors unite for lasting peace, strong rule of law

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Essential for promoting lasting peace and strong rule of law, and inclusive governance and development, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) created a platform of unity among its governors to strengthen the concerns and efforts for the region.

Officially launched in this city on June 6, the BARMM Governors Caucus will serve as a platform for advocating critical issues and supporting the peace process and BARMM initiatives.

The Caucus, created after a series of consultative talks aimed to focus in finding better alternatives to promote BARMM’s welfare is composed of the local governments of Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and Basilan provinces.

“The Caucus fosters cooperation with governments and multi-sectoral groups, employing data-driven decision-making to safeguard the rights and welfare of the constituents,” Lanao Del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr., acting as the spokesperson for the group said.

Adiong also disclosed the three key areas that The Caucus has identified as priorities for sustainable development and security in the region: Rule of Law, Peace and Order, and Inclusive Governance and Development.

The governor 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 caucus will actively engage these entities, peace mechanisms, and relevant agencies,” Adiong emphasized.

Additionally, the Caucus is dedicated to monitoring and expediting the implementation of the decommissioning process with the assistance of national and regional agencies, decommissioning bodies, and peace mechanisms.

The governor also stressed that the Caucus's commitment to enhancing coordination between national and regional governments, peace mechanisms and relevant agencies.

“Their objective is to ensure effective law enforcement and expedite the decommissioning process. The caucus also prioritizes the allocation of public funds to benefit the majority of constituents, advocating for equitable resource allocation, representation and participation across geographical, political and ethnic groups,” he said.

They aim to facilitate citizen and group involvement in development and governance processes through electoral policies that promote inclusivity.

The caucus also reiterated the timely convening of the Council of Leaders to enhance LGU and sectoral group representation.

“We are open to collaborating with stakeholders who share similar advocacies and are eager to find common ground for sustainable peace and development in the region,” he said.

In conclusion, the BARMM Governors Caucus serves as a unifying force in the region, working towards the shared goals of peace, order, rule of law, and inclusive governance and development.

By prioritizing key areas and engaging various stakeholders, the caucus strives to create a conducive environment for lasting peace and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.