COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 27 Aug) — A Marawi-based group staged a protest rally in Marawi City Tuesday to oppose the recently approved redistricting bill, saying it will “gravely endanger the peace process and the credibility of democratic governance.” The protest, themed “No to unjust redistricting: Uphold the people’s voice,” was organized by the Real Autonomy Now (RANow) Movement against Parliament Bill No. 351, now known as the Redistricting Act of 2025. Alim Nasif Marangit, president of RANow, urged BARMM Chief Minister Macacua to veto the law, despite Macacua issuing a certificate of urgency to pass the bill. Marangit emphasized the need to respect the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). Member of Parliament Abdullah Macapaar, also known as Commander Bravo, called on BARMM leaders to prioritize unity over political ambitions. PB 351 amends the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 58, redistributing the seven parliamentary district seats originally allocated to Sulu following a Supreme Court ruling excluding the province from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The new distribution includes nine seats for Lanao del Sur, five each for Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, four each for Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, three for Cotabato City, and two for the Special Geographic Area. RANow warned that the bill undermines democratic representation and the peace process, urging the community to protect their achievements. Protesters burned standees of OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and SAP Anton Lagdameo, accusing them of interfering in BARMM affairs. Galvez, Lagdameo, and Macacua have not yet responded. Earlier, Galvez expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), calling it the best way to address differences and uphold the CAB. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)
