MARAWI City — With the 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election (BPE) drawing closer, the military, election officials, political groups, religious leaders and other stakeholders have pledged to work together to keep the polls peaceful, orderly and credible.
The 101st Infantry (Three Red Arrows) Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division joined the stakeholders in a peace covenant signing and engagement on Monday, August 10, at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium, New Capitol Complex in Marawi City.
The activity sought to strengthen cooperation and mutual respect among groups involved in the upcoming election.
It featured a Unity Walk, Interfaith Rally, prayer, Candidates’ Forum, Peace Covenant Signing, and an inter-agency and stakeholders’ engagement.
During the Candidates’ Forum, representatives of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), SIAP, Progresibong Bangsamoro, Bangsamoro Party, Independent Party and Bangsamoro Federal Party expressed their commitment to a peaceful and democratic election.
The candidates also signed a Pledge of Commitment, promising to avoid violence, threats, intimidation and other acts that could disrupt the polls.
They further pledged to follow election laws and regulations, respect fellow candidates and voters, cooperate with election and law enforcement authorities, and accept the election results as an expression of the people’s will.
The commitments were reinforced through the signing of the Peace Covenant, witnessed by representatives of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), security sector and other stakeholders.
Brig. Gen. Yasser R. Bara, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, said maintaining peace during the election is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation from all sectors.
The interfaith prayer, led by PMAJ Esmail S. Londo, provincial chaplain officer, and PLt. Col. Randell V. Cinches, regional chaplain officer, also highlighted the role of religious communities in promoting peace and responsible participation in the electoral process.
Among those who expressed support for the initiative were Col. Franco Raphael H. Alano, deputy brigade commander of the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade; PBGen. Christopher M. Abecia, regional director of the Police Regional Office-BAR; and Atty. Renault C. Macarambon, provincial election supervisor of COMELEC-Lanao del Sur.
The gathering underscored that peaceful elections cannot rest solely on security and election authorities. Candidates, political parties, religious leaders, government agencies and communities all have a role in protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
For the 101st Infantry Brigade, its participation reflects its commitment to supporting a secure electoral environment while respecting the constitutional right of eligible voters to freely choose their leaders.
As the 2026 BPE approaches, stakeholders delivered a common message: keeping the elections peaceful is a shared responsibility, and every sector has a role in ensuring that the vote reflects the will of the Bangsamoro people.
