DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 05 July 2026) – Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will select representatives for their two reserved seats in the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament ahead of the region’s preparations for the 1st Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on September 14, 2026.
The Commission on Elections has scheduled July 27 to August 9 for NMIP communities to conduct Tribal Assemblies, followed by a Regional Inter-Tribal Convention from August 24 to September 4 to choose the two representatives.
The Bangsamoro Parliament consists of 40 party representatives, 32 single district representatives, and eight sectoral representatives. The sectoral seats include two for NMIPs, two for settler communities, and one each for women, youth, traditional leaders, and Ulama.
Under the amended Bangsamoro Electoral Code, only NMIP representatives will be selected through their customary laws, while other sectoral representatives will be elected at large. Article VII of the BARMM Organic Law ensures that NMIP selection follows indigenous processes, prioritizing customary laws, consensus-building, inclusivity, and gender equality.
Before the Tribal Assemblies, Comelec Resolution No. 11235 requires notifications to be posted from July 20 to 26 via the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA) and community channels. Each NMIP community must also submit assembly rules to MIPA and the Bangsamoro Electoral Office (BEO).
From August 10 to 23, Indigenous Political Structures must submit reports on the Tribal Assembly, including minutes and rotation arrangements. This period also includes publishing nominee lists and convention rules.
The Regional Inter-Tribal Convention (August 24–September 4) will finalize the two representatives, with documentation submitted to the BEO by September 7–13. On election day (September 14), the Regional Board of Canvassers will proclaim the NMIP representatives alongside other parliamentary winners. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)
