Philippine Bishop Calls for Peaceful, Honest Elections in Basilan

As voters in the Bangsamoro, an autonomous region in the southern Philippines, prepare to elect members of the Bangsamoro Parliament on September 14, the bishop of the Prelature of Isabela in Basilan has urged candidates, voters and political leaders to protect the peace achieved after decades of conflict.

Basilan has long been associated with armed conflict, rooted partly in the broader Moro struggle for self-determination that began in Mindanao in the late 1960s. The province also became a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group and has experienced recurring clan conflicts, often linked to political rivalries, land disputes and family grievances.

But Basilan has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. In June 2025, the national government officially declared the province free from the influence and presence of Abu Sayyaf, citing years of military operations, peacebuilding and community efforts.

Against this backdrop, Bishop Leo M. Dalmao, issued a statement titled “A Call for Peaceful and Honest Elections,” urging all stakeholders to work together for a peaceful, honest, orderly and credible election.

“Basilan has traveled a long and difficult road. We have experienced violence, fear, and division. But in recent years, we have also witnessed the precious fruits of peace and stability,” Bishop Dalmao said.

He welcomed the efforts of the Commission on Elections, the Bangsamoro government, local authorities and security forces to ensure a safe electoral process.

But he stressed that sustaining peace requires the participation of ordinary citizens.

“Peace is hard work and we built it by every choice we make,” he said.

Bishop Dalmao appealed to candidates and their supporters to compete with respect and integrity, urging them to reject violence, intimidation, vote-buying, threats, provocation, misinformation and other forms of electoral dishonesty.

He also urged voters to exercise their right freely and responsibly and not allow anyone to intimidate or dictate their choices.

The bishop made a special appeal to Basilan residents not to let political differences divide families and Muslim and Christian communities.

He also called for responsible use of social media, warning against spreading rumors and false information that could fuel fear and hostility.

“Truth is an important foundation of peace,” Bishop Dalmao said.

He urged Basilan and the Bangsamoro to make September 14 a defining moment, one that demonstrates that political differences can be expressed without violence and that the democratic will of the people can be respected.

“Let us choose peace. Let us protect peace. Let us continue to build peace, together,” Bishop Dalmao said.