Ten Basilan mayors support postponing Bangsamoro elections

Ten mayors in Basilan and their governor have expressed support for postponing the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections scheduled for 2025 to 2026.

The mayors, including Roderick Furigay of Lamitan City and Nasser Abubakar of Lantawan, signed a manifesto backing Senate Bill No. 2864 and House Bill No. 11034 introduced by Senator Francis Escudero and House Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez.

They argue that postponing the elections would provide more time to prepare for the transition and reduce risks associated with firearms during election periods in conflict-prone areas like Basilan.

The mayors emphasize the importance of voter education and structural preparations, such as amending district laws following a Supreme Court ruling excluding Sulu from BARMM.

They also stress that postponing the elections would allow for the successful implementation of decommissioning programs and strengthen security measures to ensure fair representation in the 80-member parliament.