BARMMs

BARMMs, short for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, refers to the autonomous political region in the southern Philippines created to replace the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The BARMM was established in 2019 under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act 11054) after decades of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and Moro groups, most notably the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The aim of the creation was to provide greater self-government, resources, and cultural recognition for Bangsamoro communities.

Governance and powers: The BARMM has its own regional government, headed by a Chief Minister and a regional Parliament. It exercises a broad set of devolved powers over internal affairs such as education, health, social services, local governance, natural resources, and agriculture, as well as some aspects of security in coordination with national authorities. The region also operates under a distinct fiscal framework intended to provide enhanced revenue-sharing and budgetary autonomy from the national government. The regional center and offices are located in Cotabato City, which serves as the administrative hub for BARMM.

Geography and demographics: BARMM covers areas in Mindanao that were previously part of ARMM, comprising several provinces and cities with diverse Muslim-majority communities. The population includes speakers of languages such as Tausug, Maranao, Maguindanaon, and other local languages, reflecting a mix of ethnic groups and cultures.

Significance: The BARMM represents a major milestone in the Philippine peace process, aiming to deliver meaningful autonomy, development, and governance suited to the region’s historical and cultural contexts. Election cycles for the regional government operate on a schedule separate from national elections.