Cotabato City— A total of 396 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front have taken their oath as patrol officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP), a Philstar report said Saturday. The integration of the 396 officers showed the autonomy of the BARMM government, Mohagher Iqbal, Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, BARMM said.

“This is one of the demonstrations of the autonomy of the Bangsamoro government, which has taken steps to ensure that the organization and the delivery of services to the people have commenced,” Iqbal said.

“The resolution of key issues regarding the integration of the 396 officers into the PNP is among the major accomplishments of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), which is tasked to facilitate closer coordination and resolve issues through consultations and negotiations in a non-adversarial manner”, Iqbal added.

According to the IGRB, the 396 are now training at the PNP regional office in Parang, Maguindanao Del Norte.

Iqbal, who co-chairs the IGRB, also said eight municipalities in North Cotabato, collectively known as the BARMM special geographic area, have appointed their mayors, and other local officials.

“This would be a first for the IGRB and would be another testament to the implementation of the intergovernmental relations provision of the BOL,” Iqbal said, referring to the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, IGRB co-chairperson for the national government, noted that President Marcos cited 

As of today, five out of seven essential laws for BARMM – including the Administrative Code, Local Government Code, Election Code and those for Education and Civil Service have been enacted by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament, said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

BARMM is ready now ready for its regular elections, Pangadaman quoting Pres. Bongbong Marcos said during his SONA 2024.

“But it is not only the Philippine government or the Filipino people who are praying for peaceful and successful elections in BARMM. The whole world – especially those who have reached out to help – is watching and rooting for the success of BARMM,” Pangandaman said.