Marcos reaffirms support for Bangsamoro peace process
GENERAL SANTOS CITY—President Marcos reaffirmed his administration’s continuing support for the Bangsamoro peace process, asserting that the national government is working hard to bring progress to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This comes as domestic and global think tanks recently warned that the landmark 2014 peace deal between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) could collapse if the growing distrust is not addressed.
During the Grand Iftar (breaking of fast) he hosted in Malacañang on Thursday, Marcos assured attendees that the government remains fully committed to achieving lasting peace in Mindanao, particularly in the Bangsamoro region.
The event, held during the most crucial 10-day final stretch of Ramadan, was attended by top BARMM officials, senior national government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.
It also comes just weeks before the 12th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which the government and the MILF signed on March 27, 2014, also in Malacañang. The CAB paved the way for the creation of the BARMM in 2019.
Honest dialogue
“As previously and repeatedly mentioned, this administration remains fully supportive of creating a people-centered governance system in the Bangsamoro region,” Marcos said.
“Our work is not yet done. We remain steadfast in ensuring that the promise of peace translates into real opportunities for the Bangsamoro people and for all Filipinos,” he added.
Marcos noted that peace “must not exist only in signed agreements but must be felt in everyday life.”
BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua thanked Marcos for his continued support of the Bangsamoro peace process, noting the “strong partnership” between the national and Bangsamoro governments.
Macacua emphasized the importance of building trust among leaders to make the Bangsamoro region stronger and better. He lauded Marcos for hosting the Ramadan Grand Iftar in Malacañang, which brought together leaders and partners working to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.
“A gathering like this may seem simple, but it carries meaning. When leaders—national leaders, Bangsamoro leaders, and partners in peace—come together, we strengthen trust. In the Bangsamoro, trust has always been the foundation of progress,” Macacua said.
Investments surge
Despite political tensions involving BARMM and MILF leaders, business investments in the region continue to grow.
Barely three months into 2026, the Bangsamoro Board of Investments (BBOI) has already reached 75 percent of its P3.2-billion investment target, signaling growing investor confidence in the fledgling autonomous region, home to a majority of the country’s Muslim population.
The BBOI confirmed some P795.7 million worth of new businesses to operate in the region, adding to the P1.6 billion in new business projects registered in January. The newly approved ventures will engage in health care, tourism and agriculture, and are projected to generate at least 176 jobs.
The health-care facilities will be established in Cotabato City, the seat of the Bangsamoro government, and in Lanao del Sur province. The new investments in resort development and agro-industrial production are located in Maguindanao del Norte.
The BBOI said that the P1.4-billion investments registered last January are projected to generate 750 jobs. These include large-scale agricultural production and farm development in Maguindanao del Norte, as well as bulk water supply and treatment facilities in Cotabato City.
“These investments are clear proof that confidence in the Bangsamoro economy continues to grow,” said Mohamad Omar Pasigan, BBOI chair.
