JICA Participates in the Election Observation Mission for the First Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) participated in Japan’s election observation mission for the first Bangsamoro parliamentary election, held on 14 September 2026 in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Since the 1990s, JICA has supported the peace and development efforts in Mindanao. Following the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014, JICA expanded its assistance for capacity development for the Bangsamoro Government, livelihood improvement for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (DCCs), and post-conflict reconstruction and poverty reduction, aimed at promoting peace implementation, stability and development.

Building on these long-standing efforts, JICA recognizes this election as a historic milestone in the implementation of the Bangsamoro peace process, paving the way for the transition from the interim government led by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to a democratically elected regional government.

On election day, the delegation visited polling centers and observed voting and counting procedures alongside other members of the Japanese observation mission. During the mission, the delegation also visited and exchanged views with key stakeholders supporting the peace process and electoral integrity, including Hon. Mel Senen Sarmiento, the Presidential Advisor on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity; the Joint Peace Security Committee (JPSC); and the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE). Discussions highlighted the importance of a credible and peaceful electoral process, voter education efforts, and continued support for the Bangsamoro peace process.

Building on 70 years of Philippines-Japan ties, JICA remains steadfast in its support for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Government, the Government of the Philippines, and its development partners in fostering peace, strengthening institutions, and sustainable development in the region.