Parties welcome postponement of BARMM elections

The United Bangsamoro Justice Party-Lanao del Sur (UBJP-LDS) and the Lanao del Norte (LDN) on Saturday welcomed the postponement of the first regular elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

On Wednesday, the House approved on third and final reading the postponement of the elections from 2022 to 2025. Its counterpart measure in the Senate was approved on third and final reading on September 6.

Earlier, the UBJP-LDS and LDN held a caravan to thank their supporters, the Senate, Congress, and President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The passage of a law that would extend the BTA (Bangsamoro Transition Authority) means a lot to us Bangsamoro people,” Deputy Chief Minister Alim Ali Solaiman said in a statement.

“This will mean that the lives and sacrifices of those who fought in this struggle and those who shed blood, sweat, and tears for the future generation to have a prosperous, and peaceful future in a region that is fully capable of charting its own destiny will not go down the drain," he added.

Meanwhile, MP Said Shiek said that the 3-year transition period is too short to address the root causes of the problems in the BARMM.

"We are very grateful to President Duterte for certifying the BTA Extension bill as urgent, to the congress for fast-tracking the bill, and to the Bangsamoro people for their constant prayers, efforts, and untiring support," Shiek said.

Vehicles from the First District that participated in the caravan met at MPWS Matampay, Marawi City then proceeded to Baloi to Overton to Linamon to Matungao before returning to Baloi and Marawi City.

Meanwhile, participating Second District vehicles met at MPW Malabang then proceeded to Picong to SND Rotonda, and then back to Picong. — DVM, GMA News