Bangsamoro

Regional Gun Ban Marks Official Start of First Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections Period

Ahead of the September 2026 Bangsamoro elections, gun bans and security risks are active. Direct business risks remain low, but companies should maintain political neutrality, prohibit political events on premises, and avoid travel with candidates.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – June 2026

In June 2026, PSA Intelligence recorded seven Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents, involving five encounters, one assassination, and one ambush incident.

Preparations Commence Ahead of BARMM Parliamentary Elections in September

The Commission on Elections began ballot printing for the September 14, 2026, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary elections. To prevent fraud, no excess ballots will be printed and precincts are capped at 600 voters. Multiple regional political parties will compete.

Leadership Rift Worsens Within the Moro Islamic Liberation Front As Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua Is Suspended As Military Chief-of-Staff

The MILF suspended Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua as its military chief of staff, deepening internal divisions ahead of the 2026 elections. Observers warn the leadership rift could further delay the peace process and create uncertainty over regional security.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – May 2026

In May 2026, PSA Intelligence recorded six Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents, involving three encounters, two assassinations, and one harassment incident.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – April 2026

In April 2026, PSA Intelligence recorded nine Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents, involving three encounters, two bombings, two assassinations, one ambush, and one harassment incident.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – March 2026

In March 2026, PSA Intelligence recorded four Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents, consisting of one military encounter, two civilian assassinations, and one ambush against police forces.

Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections Officially Scheduled for September 2026

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed a law rescheduling the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections. This fourth postponement extends the MILF-led transition but faces uncertainty due to pending legal challenges and strained peace process coordination.

Recommended Reading: Peace in the Philippines: The Bangsamoro’s Moment of Truth

The Bangsamoro peace process faces risks due to strained ties between the government and the MILF. Delayed elections and stalled decommissioning of combatants threaten regional stability. Congress has moved to reschedule the Bangsamoro elections to September 2026 to manage the transition.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – February 2026

In February 2026, PSA Intelligence recorded two Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents: a military encounter in Sulu and an assassination in Maguindanao del Norte.

Senate Approves September 2026 Schedule for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections; MILF Calls on Government to Fulfill Peace Process Commitments

The Senate approved resetting the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections to September 14, 2026. While the move aims for a democratic transition, the MILF warns the peace process is in limbo due to implementation delays and the lack of a government negotiating counterpart.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – January 2026

In January 2026, PSA Intelligence recorded eight violent incidents involving armed clashes and assassination attacks. Most were carried out by unidentified gunmen, with others linked to Maute and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

COMELEC Officially Postpones the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections

The Comelec officially postponed the March 2026 Bangsamoro elections due to redistricting delays. Legislative power to set a new date now rests with Congress, with proposals favoring September 2026. This marks the third delay since 2022, highlighting ongoing legal and transition hurdles.

Bangsamoro Parliament Passes Districting Law But Actual Election Date Still Unclear

The Bangsamoro Parliament passed a new districting law, yet the March 30, 2026, election date remains unfeasible due to constitutional limits on redistricting timelines. The Comelec is urging Congress to pass a new law to ensure the first regular regional elections occur within 2026.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – December 2025

In December 2025, PSA Intelligence recorded five Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents. There were two grenade attacks, two military encounters against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and one armed clash between soldiers and Moro Islamic Liberation Front-linked militants.

Sulu Bans All Moro Islamic Liberation Front Activity Within the Province

Sulu has banned MILF activities following its exit from the Bangsamoro region, citing jurisdictional shifts. While large-scale violence is currently unlikely, the rift complicates the peace process and creates potential openings for splinter groups to exploit political instability.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – November 2025

In December 2025, PSA Intelligence recorded four Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents. There were two grenade attacks, two military encounters against members of the Maute group, and one armed clash between two Moro Islamic Liberation Front groups, an one assassination attack.

Malacañang Extends the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Tenure, Bangsamoro Parliament Tackles New Redistricting Law

The Bangsamoro interim government's term is extended following the postponement of parliamentary elections. The assembly is urgently deliberating redistricting laws to meet the rescheduled March 2026 election deadline amid signs of internal political division.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – October 2025

In October 2025, PSA Intelligence recorded two Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents, involving an armed encounter and an ambush attack.

Supreme Court Postpones Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections Over “Unconstitutional” Redistricting Law

The Supreme Court postponed the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections after nullifying regional districting laws. While stakeholders respect the decision, political friction regarding further delays introduces localized governance and security uncertainties.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – September 2025

In September 2025, PSA Intelligence recorded six Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents.

Security Advisory on the Postponement of the 2025 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections

The Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections have been postponed to March 2026 following constitutional challenges.

New Legal Curveball Casts Uncertainty over Bangsamoro October Polls

The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the Bangsamoro district reapportionment, pausing election preparations. Local enterprises should note that while the upcoming polls face legal uncertainty, regionwide election security measures and gun bans remain strictly in force.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – August 2025

PSA Intelligence recorded five Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents in August 2025, all of which were armed encounters.

Not Politics as Usual: Groups Raise Concerns for Bangsamoro Ahead of Parliamentary Polls

Bangsamoro Parliament Passes Bill Redistributing Sulu’s Seven Floating District Seats into Law

The Bangsamoro Parliament approved Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 77, redistributing the seven district seats formerly allocated to Sulu province across remaining areas. Enterprises should monitor this structural change as the regional government finalized its parliamentary election setup.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – July 2025

In July 2025, PSA Intelligence recorded eight Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents. Four of which were attributed to elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, while four other were carried out by unidentified armed individuals.

Sulu Now Part of Regional Administration of Zamboanga Peninsula

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. integrated Sulu into the Zamboanga Peninsula following its exclusion from the Bangsamoro region. Enterprises should monitor the transition as administrative adjustments and overlapping regional police jurisdictions introduce short term operational risks.

ANALYSIS: Highlights of the 2025 State of the Nation Address

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address prioritized socio-economic and public works reviews over industry policy. Enterprises should monitor upcoming 2026 budget deliberations to verify funding allocations for critical energy, infrastructure, and labor development initiatives.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – June 2025

In June 2025, PSA Intelligence recorded five Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents. There were three bombing attacks and two encounters.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front Wins Big in the 2025 Bangsamoro Local Elections

The United Bangsamoro Justice Party secured key local victories, strengthening its prospects for the October parliamentary elections. Enterprises must monitor this political consolidation, which enhances stability and governance predictability across the autonomous region.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – May 2025

In May 2025, PSA Intelligence recorded six Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents. There were three encounters, two assassination attacks, and one bombing incident.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – April 2025

In April 2025, PSA Intelligence recorded two Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents, an armed encounter and a bombing incident.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – March 2025

In March 2025, PSA Intelligence recorded three Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents, which were two armed clashes and one bombing attack.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – February 2025

PSA Intelligence recorded four Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents in February 2025. There were two assassination attacks, one armed encounter, and one bombing attack.

President Marcos Jr. Signs Law Deferring Bangsamoro Elections from May 12 to October 14 this Year

President Ferdinand Marcos Junior signed Republic Act No. 12123 postponing the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections to October 2025. Enterprises should monitor unresolved issues like the exclusion of Sulu province and budget shortfalls that could impact regional security.

Recommended Reading: ‘True mujahideen’: Where the Bangsamoro stands, 6 years in

Six years after the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, incomplete rebel decommissioning and weak infrastructure delay full stability. Enterprises must monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections for potential shifts in regional governance and security.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – January 2025

PSA Intelligence recorded six Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents. There were four armed encounters, one ambush attack, and one bombing incident.

Congress Passes Law Postponing Bangsamoro Polls to October 2025; Law Now Up for President Marcos’ Approval

Congress ratified a bill postponing the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections from May to October 13. Regional officials support the 5-month delay to amend electoral laws, reapportion seats following the exclusion of Sulu province, and advance regional peace efforts.

2025 Philippines Annual Islamist Insurgency Report

PSA's 2025 Annual Islamist Insurgency Report examines the continued weakening of Islamist insurgent groups, with most violent incidents in 2024 stemming from military operations in BARMM.

MILF and Armed Militants Attack Troops En Route to Assist UN Staff in Basilan

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front was reportedly involved in an ambush against military detail of United Nations staff in Sumisip town, Basilan.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – December 2024

In December 2024, PSA Intelligence recorded one Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – November 2024

There were no reported Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents recorded in November 2024.

Local Officials and Stakeholders Make Their Arguments as the Senate Begins Hearings on Postponing the 2025 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections

The Supreme Court ruling excluding Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region has prompted efforts to defer parliamentary elections. Postponement aims to resolve seat allocations and mitigate election violence, safeguarding the peace process essential for regional business stability.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – October 2024

In October 2024, PSA Intelligence recorded eight Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents.

Is Another Extension Possible? Senate Files Measure as Bangsamoro Parliament Seeks to Postpone 2025 Parliamentary Polls

The Senate filed a bill to defer the inaugural Bangsamoro parliamentary elections to 2026 after a Supreme Court ruling excluded Sulu from the region. While postponement awaits legislative approval and presidential certification, election preparations remain underway.

Ruling Political Party Announces Alliance with MILF Party for 2025 Midterm and Bangsamoro Parliament Elections

The Marcos-backed PFP formalized a strategic alliance with the UBJP for the regional elections. While aimed at securing long-term peace continuity, this political consolidation provokes sharp backlash from rival clans, elevating short-term security and political stability risks for enterprises.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – September 2024

In September 2024, PSA Intelligence recorded six Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents.

Bangsamoro Leaders Divided Over Sulu Exclusion; COMELEC Commits to Holding 2025 Parliamentary Elections

The Supreme Court has excluded Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. While regional parliamentary elections will proceed, this landmark decision alters local governance and introduces political and regulatory risks for enterprises in the region.

Islamist Insurgency and Terrorism Report – August 2024

In August 2024, PSA Intelligence recorded one Islamist insurgency-related violent incidents.