16/09/2026
PRESS STATEMENT
I extend my deepest gratitude to the Bangsamoro people who participated in the historic first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on September 14, 2026, and to those who placed their trust and confidence in the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) and its candidates.
The support we received, which led to the election of 30 UBJP members to the 80-seat Bangsamoro Parliament, comes with a tremendous responsibility. We accept the mandate given to us with humility and a renewed commitment to serve the Bangsamoro people and advance the aspirations for peace, justice, meaningful self-governance, and development that have guided our struggle for many decades.
I also commend and thank our security forces, election officials, and all those who worked tirelessly to secure the elections. Despite incidents of violence in some areas, the Bangsamoro people were generally able to exercise their democratic right to vote in peace.
At the same time, we cannot allow the violence that accompanied this historic exercise to simply pass without accountability. We mourn the deaths of three UBJP volunteers and are deeply concerned for the approximately 20 others who were wounded. We call upon the National Government and the appropriate law enforcement and justice institutions to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and ensure that justice is served. Elections must never become an excuse for violence, intimidation, or the loss of life.
As we move from elections to the formation of the first regularly elected Bangsamoro Government, I appeal to all concerned to respect the democratic institutions established under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
The members of the Bangsamoro Parliament must be allowed to freely exercise their mandate in choosing the Chief Minister, the Speaker, and the other officers of Parliament, in accordance with law and parliamentary processes, and without undue interference from outside the Bangsamoro Parliament.
The first parliamentary elections represent another important milestone in our long journey toward genuine self-governance. The Bangsamoro people have exercised their right to choose their representatives. We must now respect their collective voice and allow their elected Parliament to perform the responsibilities entrusted to it.
The elections may be over, but our greater responsibility has only begun. I call on all elected members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation, to work together to protect the gains of the peace process and build a peaceful, democratic, inclusive, and progressive Bangsamoro.
MOHAGHER M. IQBAL
Member of Parliament
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
