CSO Leader Urges Malacañang to Cease Interference in BARMM Affairs

COTABATO CITY (August 15, 2025) — The Chairperson of the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Mass Action Steering Committee, Dr. Mahdie Amelia, issued a strong call on Thursday urging Malacañang to end what she described as “blatant interference” in the internal governance of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Speaking before a crowd during a peaceful protest at Cotabato City Plaza, Dr. Amelia expressed deep concern over the continued reappointment of two national officials who have allegedly interfered in appointments and policy decisions within BARMM.

“We have endured this for too long,” Dr. Amelia said. “It is time to honor the political agreements in place and allow the Chief Minister and the MILF to lead and manage our regional government without external meddling,” he added.

Dr. Amelia also questioned the recently publicized ₱1 million scholarship fund meant for the children of former combatants, describing it as insufficient and misleading.

“That’s public money—not a personal favor from any official. With that amount, only four students can realistically be supported through college. This is far from enough given the thousands of eligible youth,” he said.

In addition, the CSO leader criticized the decision to revert the proposed redistricting bill to the committee level—despite earlier groundwork by the first Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA1) for a more inclusive and gerrymandering-free design.

“Redistricting must ensure contiguous, fair representation. The current move only delays meaningful political reform,” he asserted.

Dr. Amelia also raised alarm over the sluggish pace of the normalization process, citing delays in key areas such as decommissioning of combatants, issuance of amnesty, redeployment of military forces, and dismantling of private armed groups.

“These delays undermine trust in the peace process. At this rate, we risk being pushed back into instability,” he warned.

As a concluding message, Dr. Amelia called for the immediate conduct of democratic first BARMM Parliamentary elections in the region on October 13, 2025. “Autonomy means choice. Let the people of BARMM select their leaders— not those appointed by the Palace,” he emphasized.

The protest action was one of several grassroots-led initiatives seeking to uphold the integrity of the Bangsamoro peace process and regional autonomy. (BMN/BangsamoroToday)