21 sectoral groups accredited for BARMM polls

MANILA, Philippines —  In the latest review of petitions for party registration and accreditation, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has accredited 21 sectoral organizations to participate in the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Originally set in 2025, the  BARMM parliamentary election was moved to Sept. 14 this year following the signing by President Marcos of Republic Act 12317.

Comelec updates showed that the accredited groups include five sectoral wings of the BARMM Grand Coalition – ­youth, ulama, traditional leaders, women and settler communities sectors.

Also granted accreditation were five similar sectoral wings of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party.

The Comelec also approved the participation of parliamentary sectoral organizations – Royal House of the Sultanate of Marawi, Royal House of the Sultanate of Pagayawan, Royal Sultanate of Eastern Unayan, Datu Sa Kabuntalan (Matampay) Sa Magindanaw Royal Descendant’s Association, Iranun Sultanate’s League of the Philippines Inc., League of Bangsamoro Islamic Advocate Association, Dungon Traditional Leaders Organization, Tawi-Tawi Provincial Women’s Council Inc., Bangsamoro Party Women, Christian Settler for Peace, and Royal Sultanate of Langkong.

The poll body granted a motion to withdraw participation in the BARMM elections filed by the Settler Organization for Peace and Development.

Accredited organizations were given due course to express their manifestations of intent to participate in the upcoming electroral exercises, the Comelec said.

The BARMM election will determine the composition of the Bangsamoro Parliament, the region’s legislative body under its parliamentary form of government.