Marcos declares Sept. 14 special non-working day for BARMM polls

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared September 14, 2026, a special non-working day in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This declaration is to allow residents to participate fully in the region's first parliamentary elections.

The elections, originally scheduled for earlier dates, have been postponed four times. The latest postponement led to the new date of September 14, 2026, as mandated by Republic Act No. 12317. This amendment to the Bangsamoro Organic Law was signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on August 18.

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WHEREAS, in order to give the people of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao the opportunity to actively and fully participate in the election and exercise their right to vote, it is fitting and proper to declare Monday, 14 September 2026, as a special (non-working) day.

Despite a recent ambush on Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, officials have affirmed that the elections will proceed as planned. Palace press officer Claire Castro stated that the incident would not hinder the pursuit of democratic change in BARMM communities. The ambush occurred shortly after Macacua was chosen to lead a new regional party competing in the polls.

The Commission on Elections also confirmed the elections will continue, citing their ongoing preparations. The Philippine National Police has deployed 8,299 personnel to ensure the smooth conduct of the parliamentary elections. The 80-seat parliament will be filled with 40 seats for political parties, 32 for district representatives, and 8 for sectoral organizations.

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will not prevent the continued pursuit of change toward establishing a democratic government in the BARMM communities.