Rules for selection of BARMM indigenous representatives out

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued implementing rules governing the selection of non-Muslim Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) representatives to the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Under Resolution 11235 promulgated on Wednesday, the Comelec laid down the procedures in choosing two representatives reserved for NMIPs.

The resolution mandates the implementation of provisions of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code of 2023 as amended, which provides that NMIP representatives must be chosen based on their own customary laws and indigenous political processes.

“Indigenous peoples must have the freedom to retain their distinct indigenous and ethnic identity in addition to their Bangsamoro political identity. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of identity, religion and ethnicity,” the resolution said, citing the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Under the rules, the selection process will be conducted in two stages: a tribal assembly within each participating indigenous community and a regional inter-tribal convention wherein delegates select two representatives, male and  female, through consensus-building.

Among the Bangsamoro NMIPs identified by the resolution are the Teduray, Lambangian, Menubu Dulangan or Dulangan Manobo, Higaonon, Erumanen ne Menuvu and B’laan.

The Comelec said the selection process must be guided by the principles of community acceptability, inclusivity, full participation, representation of collective interests, sustainability of indigenous political structures, demonstrated capability and gender equality.

The rules recognized the inportance of indigenous governance systems and customary laws in resolving disputes and conducting the selection process.

Article VII of the Bangsamoro Organic Law provides eight sectoral seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament, two of which are allocated for NMIPs.

Under the guidelines, indigenous communities intending to participate in the selection process must submit a manifestation of intent through their certified indigenous political structures.

They must also secure a certificate from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs affirming their status as NMIPs.

The names of the chosen representatives must be submitted at least seven days before the conduct of the Bangsamoro parliamentary election, which is scheduled on Sept. 14.