Gatchalian eyes BARMM development

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian wished the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliament well after its inaugural session on Friday, as he expressed hope it would lead to economic development in the BARMM.

Gatchalian congratulated Abdulraof Macacua for being elected chief minister to lead the 80-seat parliament.

He urged political blocs, civil society groups and local government units to rally behind the new BARMM administration to ensure stability, following the historic Sept. 14 parliamentary polls.

Yesterday, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), business groups and peace-advocates committed to support the socioeconomic objectives of the BARMM parliament.

MNLF chairman Muslimin Sema said he and his group would cooperate in maintaining law and order in the region.

“We don’t have a problem doing that, all for an enduring peace in BARMM. We shall support the peace and development initiatives of our now regular parliament for our region’s economy to flourish,” Sema said.