WHY WAS AUTONOMY IMPORTANT?
Supporters saw greater self-rule as a way to address long-standing grievances over poverty, marginalisation, and underdevelopment while reducing support for armed and extremist groups.
The need for stability was underscored in 2017, when Islamic State-linked militants occupied Marawi City for five months in the Philippines’ worst urban battle since World War II.
Since BARMM was created, supporters point to improvements in economic performance. The region’s economy grew 5 per cent in 2025, up from 3.5 per cent in 2024 and faster than the national growth rate of 4.4 per cent, according to regional and national accounts.
Poverty has declined in recent years, although the region continues to face significant development challenges. Officials and development agencies say BARMM has significant untapped economic potential in agriculture, fisheries, marine resources, energy and mineral deposits if peace and stability are sustained.
WHAT ARE VOTERS CHOOSING?
BARMM is the only region in the Philippines governed under a parliamentary system.
Voters are electing an 80-member parliament consisting of: 40 party representatives elected through proportional representation; 32 district representatives; eight sectoral representatives.
The parliament will then elect the region’s chief minister.
WHO IS CONTESTING?
Among those competing for power are parties led by former MILF rebels, rival factions that emerged after the peace deal, and traditional political clans.
The election will complete the transition from the appointed interim government to an elected regional government, marking the first time the region’s autonomous institutions are being led by officials chosen through elections.
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