MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently met with leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to discuss collaborations ahead of the May 2025 legislative elections, the palace announced Sunday.

In a statement, the Palace said four of the five BARMM provincial governors were present at the meeting held at the Aguado Residence in Manila.

Among them were Hajiman Hataman of Basilan, Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, Mamintal Adiong of Lanao del Sur and Abdulraof Macacua of Maguindanao del Norte.

The meeting also included two Maguindanao gubernatorial aspirants: Datu Tucao Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte and Datu Ali Midtimbang of Maguindanao Del Sur.

Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo launched the consultation to “strengthen collaboration between political leaders in Manila and Mindanao to ensure peaceful, transparent and credible BARMM elections next year.”

“The diverse assembly of local and national leaders also highlighted (President Marcos’) commitment to inclusive development and peace in the Bangsamoro region,” Lagdameo said on Sunday.

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He also said the dialogue focused on “preserving political stability in the region” in light of growing tensions surrounding the upcoming elections.

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“As the region’s political landscape evolves, cooperation between these leaders will be essential to shaping the future of their communities and fostering sustainable development within BARMM,” he added.

The submission of certificates of candidacy for the next BARMM legislative elections is expected to begin on Monday.

The upcoming mid-term elections will be historic because they will mark the first legislative elections in the region.

READ: Submission of the COC file for the BARMM legislative elections begins Monday