The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections, set for May 12 next year, is historic. It will be the country’s first parliamentary elections.
Former presidential adviser on the peace process Teresita Quintos-Deles said journalists have a crucial role in next year’s elections. They should understand the links between the elections and the broader Bangsamoro peace process, she said.
Beyond electoral dynamics, Deles said peace, governance, and socioeconomic development in the BARMM are all interconnected. The results of the 2025 elections have the potential to consolidate gains in governance, peace-building, and regional autonomy.
She called for concerted efforts to fulfill the promise of peace and self-determination.
“Let us not bequeath future generations with the burden of unfinished peace processes,” she said, urging stakeholders to redouble their commitment to realizing the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
She said the national and regional authorities need to cooperate to sustain the momentum of the peace process and ensure inclusive governance.
She also underscored the importance of meaningful participation by civil society and election watchdogs in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. Drawing from past tragedies, such as the Maguindanao massacre of 2009, she emphasized the need for vigilance against electoral violence and intimidation.
The anticipation surrounding the forthcoming 2025 parliamentary elections in the BARMM was palpable as discussions unfolded at the Third National Conference on Investigative Journalism (IJCon), organized by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) in May 2024.
The panelists included Deles, BARMM Cabinet secretary and spokesperson Mohd Asinin Pendatun, and Inquirer journalist Ryan Rosauro. It was moderated by former CNN senior reporter David Santos.
The panel offered valuable insights into the significance and challenges of the pivotal electoral event.
Pendatun emphasized the importance of transparency, credibility, and inclusivity. The 2025 elections can help reinforce the social fabric of the Bangsamoro, he said.
“A fair and impartial election is essential for fostering trust and unity within the Bangsamoro community,” Pendatun said, underscoring the need to mitigate fear, intimidation, and violence to ensure a truly democratic process.
Pendatun said it could set a precedent for future democratic exercises in the region.
In addition to discussing electoral mechanics, Pendatun also urged journalists to exercise sensitivity and nuance in their portrayal of the BARMM, cautioning against sensationalism and stereotyping. He called for a balanced coverage that reflects the diverse realities and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
Before delving into discussions on electoral dynamics and peace processes, Rosauro offered a unique perspective on the historical context of peace journalism in Mindanao.
“It was around the 2000 war of [the] President Estrada that the peace journalism movement in the country, or at least in Mindanao, was born and one of the institutional legacies… Mindanews and Mindanao News and Information Cooperative,” Rosauro said. — Manny Dalosa and Hanah Reformado