Japan was among the international witnesses to the historic Inaugural Session of the First Regular Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) held here on 30 October 2026, marking a key moment in the region’s peace and governance journey.
The milestone event was graced by the presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., underscoring the national government’s full recognition and support for the new Bangsamoro legislative body.
The birth of the regular Bangsamoro Parliament follows years of dedicated work by all those involved—led by the Philippine government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), and made possible most of all by the people of the region who turned out to cast their votes.
For over three decades, Japan has stood as a steady partner in Mindanao’s peace process and development, including providing assistance for electoral preparations. The Government of Japan noted that this historic achievement belongs first and foremost to the people of Mindanao, brought to life through their own will and participation.
As the Philippines’ Comprehensive Strategic Partner, Japan reaffirmed its commitment to continue working alongside the Philippine government, the Bangsamoro administration, and all stakeholders toward building a just and lasting peace in the region.
