ISABELA CITY, BASILAN, Philippines — Gathering in front of the historic Sta. Isabel de Portugal Cathedral, faithful Catholics in Isabela City, Basilan lit candles as church bells tolled in unison following the Sunday afternoon Mass, uniting in prayer on the eve of the historic Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections.
The solemn gathering was led by Bishop-Prelate Leo Dalmao in response to Circular Letter No. 007, Series of 2026, issued on Saturday by the Roman Catholic Church of Isabela de Basilan.
The directive called on all Catholic parishes and quasi-parishes under the prelature to observe a simultaneous prayer, tolling of church bells, and candle lighting precisely at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13.
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The initiative highlights the local religious community’s active role in pushing for a credible, peaceful, honest, and orderly electoral exercise as the autonomous region transitions from an interim government to its first elected parliament.
Although Isabela City remains politically independent and is not part of the BARMM territory, Dalmao asked local Catholic churches to join the initiative in solidarity with the people of Basilan province and the broader Bangsamoro region.
Dalmao urged the faithful to pray for the safety of voters, election workers, security personnel, candidates, and local communities, calling for divine guidance toward genuine peace, justice, and the common good during this critical democratic transition. /cb
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