CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY— The Bangsamoro’s first parliamentary election is unfolding amid rising political tensions, persistent gun violence, renewed extremist threats and growing doubts over the peace settlement, according to peace and security watchdog Climate Conflict Action (CCA).
Campaign activities may appear normal, but CCA said the Aug. 15 ambush of Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua’s convoy in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, exposed deepening political divisions within the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“With only two weeks before the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election, horizontal violence persists, extremist threats are gaining ground, public confidence in the electoral process remains low and long-standing socioeconomic challenges continue to weigh on communities,” said Louise Marie Lara, CCA communications manager.
According to CCA deputy executive director Liezl Bugtay, the ambush further intensified political polarization and tensions among supporters of opposing groups, while long-standing clan feuds also resurfaced.
“While not directly election-related, some of the clan feuds either involve or are linked to local political actors,” Bugtay said.
Ouster
On Thursday, the MILF central committee removed Macacua as chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, along with 40 other officials and members.
CCA also cited rising gun violence despite the election gun ban. Data from the Critical Events Monitoring System showed 58 gun-related incidents and 39 deaths during the ban’s first six weeks.
The watchdog also warned of renewed extremist threats and voter uncertainty, citing confusion over the parliamentary ballot, limited voter education and concerns about electoral manipulation.
The first Bangsamoro parliamentary election is scheduled for Sept. 14.
“The Bangsamoro is at a crossroads. Unless sustainable and effective solutions are made to address the root causes of these problems, the Bangsamoro risks entering a new political chapter grappling with the same old challenges,” CCA said. —REPORTS FROM CONG. B. CORRALES AND EDWIN O FERNANDEZ
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