Iza Aldana
Jun 23, 2026
Rallyists warn that unresolved electoral and redistricting disputes could undermine the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process and affect democratic representation in the region.
MANILA, Philippines — The Save Bangsamoro Movement held a peaceful rally outside the Supreme Court, calling on the High Court to immediately resolve pending cases that they say could significantly affect democratic governance, the Bangsamoro peace process, and the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
The group said the gathering aimed to draw attention to unresolved legal and electoral issues, including petitions concerning the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, redistricting measures, and other matters that may impact democratic representation and self-governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
According to the movement, delays in resolving these cases pose risks to the integrity of the peace process and the conduct of credible BARMM elections. Organizers estimated that around 200 to 300 volunteers, supporters, and concerned citizens from various sectors participated in the activity.
During the rally, one of the speakers stressed the importance of preserving the gains achieved through years of peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“We have already controlled the insurgency in Mindanao. The MILF is already part of the peace process. Are we still going to let that slip away?” the speaker said.
The rallyist argued that the exclusion of Sulu from BARMM resulted in the loss of seven parliamentary seats, which he claimed triggered redistricting and representation issues within the region.
He further alleged that some newly created districts do not conform to the principles of contiguity and compactness required under the law, claiming that certain municipalities were grouped into districts that are geographically separated from one another.
The speaker also called on the national government and newly appointed officials involved in the peace process to closely examine the concerns being raised by Bangsamoro stakeholders and ensure that the commitments embodied in the peace agreement are upheld.
“As you can see, we do not have a political motive here. We are not concerned about politicians. What we want is to secure the hard-earned peace that has already been achieved,” he said.
The rallyist emphasized that the peace negotiations between the government and the MILF took decades to accomplish and warned against actions that could undermine the progress made through the peace process.
Among the group's key appeals are the resolution of petitions related to the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, a pending application for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against BAA 86, and constitutional questions surrounding amendments to the electoral framework in the region. The movement is also seeking clarity on pending cases involving redistricting and representation issues.
The Save Bangsamoro Movement emphasized that the rally was intended as a peaceful expression of public concern over electoral reforms, districting issues, and the future of the Bangsamoro peace process. Participants called on the Supreme Court to provide timely decisions on legal matters that they believe carry significant implications for democratic representation and the preservation of gains achieved through decades of peace negotiations.
“Peace agreements must be honored. Democracy must be protected. The future of Bangsamoro cannot be left in limbo,” the group said in its statement.