MAMINTAL Rakiin Adiong, a representative of the Serbisyong Inklusibo — Alayansang Progresibo (Siap) political party under the Bangsamoro Grand Coalition (BGC), announced the coalition’s readiness for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) parliamentary elections on October 13.
Adiong’s statement came during the Ranaw Stakeholders Summit held on Thursday, September 4 at the Marawi Capitol gymnasium, where BGC and other stakeholders gathered to discuss key issues.
During the summit, representatives from various sectors, including education, health, food security, the Sharia justice system, ancestral domains for Indigenous Peoples, tourism, and the environment, were given a platform to voice their needs.
According to Adiong, the BGC aims for a progressive and transparent Barmm government. He said having representatives from different sectors, including Ulamas, Indigenous Peoples, and professionals, gives them an advantage.
Another topic of discussion was the decommissioning of combatants. Data from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, Reconciliation and Unity (Opappru) indicates that 14,000 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members have not yet been decommissioned, but authorities said negotiations will continue.
Adiong said the BGC is committed to the peace process and will support the decommissioning.
“Through these consultations, the Bangsamoro Grand Coalition believes that the proposals and programs to be presented by the Bangsamoro Parliament will be more inclusive and meaningful. We are more than ready,” Adiong said.
The BGC is one of seven political parties vying for seats in the Barmm parliament.
The others are the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), Bapa, Mahardika, Moro Ako, Pro Bangsamoro Party, and Raayat Democratic Party.
According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco, Barmm has 2,250,935 registered voters. The ballots for the election have been finalized, and the Comelec said everything is set for the polls.
