Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday assured that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and other stakeholders are ready to hold the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) on Sept. 14. 'In accordance with Republic Act No. 12317, the BARMM electorate is now poised to partake in BARMM's first regular parliamentary elections -- a critical accomplishment under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro,' Marcos said in his fifth State of the Nation Address delivered before the joint session of Congress at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stated that the Comelec, law enforcement, volunteers, deputized agencies, and all stakeholders are prepared to ensure that 'this defining political exercise will be peaceful, orderly, and credible.' The President emphasized the importance of these elections in strengthening the collective belief in the unity and indivisibility of the Filipino nation.

The Comelec has completed the printing of 2,393,202 official ballots for the BPE on Sunday at the National Printing Office in Quezon City. The elections will encompass five provinces, including Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi. Additionally, Special Geographic Areas consisting of 63 villages in North Cotabato, 32 districts, three cities, 105 municipalities, and 2,185 villages will participate in the electoral process.