Initiatives for International Dialogue

30/08/2026

13 Bangsamoro Political Parties Sign Covenant for Peaceful Elections and Full CAB Implementation

On 27 August 2026, representatives of all 13 regional political parties participating in the first regular Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections came together in Cotabato City for a historic election debate organized by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) , Notre Dame University , and the Independent Election Monitoring Center (IEMC). The debate brought the parties together to discuss their visions and positions on economy and human development, peace and security, and good governance.

Alongside this important democratic exercise, the 13 political parties signed the Covenant of Commitment Toward Peaceful Elections and the Full Implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), organized by Duyog Bangsamoro.

As one of the conveners and secretariat of Duyog Bangsamoro, Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) sees the covenant as an important commitment at a critical moment in the Bangsamoro’s political transition.

Through the covenant, the parties committed to uphold free, fair, honest, orderly, peaceful, and credible elections, and to reject violence, intimidation, coercion, harassment, vote-buying, and other acts that may undermine the integrity of the electoral process. They also affirmed their commitment to the full and faithful implementation of the CAB and the remaining commitments of the peace process.

Political competition is an essential part of democracy. But it should not come at the expense of peace.

We trust that all 13 political parties will honor the commitments they have made and uphold the spirit of this covenant throughout the campaign, on election day, and after the results are declared. We hope that this commitment will extend not only to the candidates and party leadership, but also to their supporters and networks on the ground.

The first regular Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections represent a significant milestone in the region’s political transition. Ensuring that this milestone is reached peacefully is a shared responsibility—and one that must extend beyond political parties to government, civil society, communities, and the Bangsamoro people themselves.

For Duyog Bangsamoro and IID, this is part of the broader work of accompanying the peace process beyond the signing of agreements and into the difficult but necessary work of implementation, transition, and sustaining peace.

Thirteen parties. One covenant. A shared responsibility for peaceful elections and the continued pursuit of peace in the Bangsamoro.

29/08/2026

IID Meets with Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua on the Bangsamoro Peace Process and Upcoming Elections

As a convener of Duyog Bangsamoro, Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) joined fellow Duyog conveners in a dialogue with Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua to exchange perspectives on the current state of the Bangsamoro peace process, the ongoing political transition, and concerns surrounding the upcoming 14 September 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of safeguarding the gains of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and ensuring that the electoral process contributes to a peaceful and credible democratic transition in the Bangsamoro.

Duyog Bangsamoro also shared its Covenant of Commitment Toward Peaceful Elections and the Full Implementation of the CAB, which calls on political and peace process stakeholders to uphold free, fair, honest, orderly, peaceful, and credible elections; reject violence, intimidation, coercion, vote-buying, and other acts that undermine the electoral process; and support the full implementation of the CAB, including remaining commitments under the Normalization Track.

The engagement reflects Duyog Bangsamoro’s continuing commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement with key stakeholders, particularly as the Bangsamoro approaches a significant milestone in its political transition.

29/08/2026

IID Joins Dialogue with Bangsamoro Leaders Ahead of the 2026 Parliamentary Elections

As a convener of Duyog Bangsamoro, Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) joined fellow Duyog conveners in Cotabato City on 27 August for a dialogue with Bangsamoro leaders Ahod Balawag Ebrahim (Murad Ebrahim), Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F) ;Mohagher Iqbal Chair of the M**F Peace Implementing Panel; and Engr. Mohajirin T. Ali, MNSA, Chairman of the M**F Information Committee.

The dialogue provided space to exchange perspectives on the current state of the Bangsamoro peace process, the political transition, and concerns surrounding the upcoming 14 September 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election. It also offered an opportunity to discuss the importance of safeguarding the gains of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as the Bangsamoro moves toward its first regular parliamentary elections.

As part of the engagement, Duyog Bangsamoro presented its Covenant of Commitment Toward Peaceful Elections and the Full Implementation of the CAB, which the leaders were invited to sign. The covenant calls for a commitment to free, fair, honest, orderly, peaceful, and credible elections, while rejecting violence, intimidation, coercion, harassment, vote-buying, and other actions that may undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

The covenant also reaffirms the importance of the full and faithful implementation of the CAB and other signed peace agreements, including completing remaining commitments under the Normalization Track on security, socio-economic development, confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

For IID and Duyog Bangsamoro, the engagement reflects the continuing importance of dialogue, mutual accountability, and constructive engagement in accompanying the Bangsamoro peace process—particularly at this critical juncture in the region’s political transition.

28/08/2026

Duyog Bangsamoro | Strengthening spaces for dialogue and civic engagement in the Bangsamoro. 🤝

We’re glad to see Notre Dame University welcoming Duyog Bangsamoro as part of the efforts surrounding the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections Debate.

Through partnerships across civil society, academe, and peacebuilding actors, we continue to support informed public dialogue and meaningful participation in the Bangsamoro peace and democratic processes.

Thank you to Notre Dame University, the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, and IEMC BARMM for the collaboration.

𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 | 𝐍𝐃𝐔 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐔𝐘𝐎𝐆 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐨

𝐂𝐎𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 — Notre Dame University welcomed Duyog Bangsamoro on August 26, 2026, courtesy visit at the Office of the President in connection with the 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗠 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲.

The visit was organized by Initiatives for International Dialogue, in partnership with the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, Notre Dame University and the IEMC BARMM.

This collaborative effort underscores NDU’s ongoing commitment to fostering democratic dialogue, regional peacebuilding, and civic engagement throughout the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

28/08/2026

IN PHOTOS: BIWAB Members from Five Battalions in Butig Strengthen Leadership and Peacebuilding Skills

Following the leadership training sessions conducted for women and youth IDP leaders in Marawi City and Saguiaran, the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) continued its capacity-building initiatives with another batch of training for members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) in Butig, Lanao del Sur from August 24-26, 2026.

The training brought together BIWAB members from five battalions for a multi-day learning and exchange focused on leadership, communication, the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, conflict prevention and resolution, and advocacy.

For many of the participants, the training was their first opportunity to attend a leadership development session and learn about the WPS agenda. Through discussions, interactive activities, and experience-sharing, participants reflected on what it means to be a leader, explored their own leadership pathways, and gained a deeper understanding of how women can contribute to preventing and resolving conflicts in their communities.

Key Highlights of the Training:

*Leadership Development – participants explored what it means to be a leader and reflected on different expressions of power, examining how leadership can begin with the self and individual agency and extend through relationships, influence, participation, and collective action.

*Women, Peace, and Security – participants gained foundational knowledge of the WPS agenda and its importance in strengthening women’s meaningful participation in peace and security processes, including conflict prevention and resolution.

*Advocacy and Community Engagement – the training strengthened participants’ understanding of advocacy and how they can use their voices, experiences, and leadership to raise community concerns, promote rights, and contribute to positive change.

The Butig training, together with the recently conducted sessions for women and youth IDP leaders in Marawi City and Saguiaran, forms part of IID’s continuing capacity-building initiatives. More learning activities and opportunities for women and youth are set to follow in the coming months.

This initiative was made possible through the valuable support of Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World). Thank you for walking with us in building more empowered, peaceful, and resilient communities!

27/08/2026

26/08/2026

A HISTORIC LEAP FOR THE INDIGENOUS RIGHTS IN BARRMM!

The Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) remains steadfast in its accompaniment of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs). We are proud to witness their customary selection process ahead of the historic Sept.14, 2026 BARMM Regional Parliamentary Elections.

The Inter-Tribal Convention on August 25, 2026 in Cotabato City was the successful culmination of the series of ground-level Tribal Assemblies of the 6 tribes of the Teduray Baglalan, Lambangian Baglalan, Erumanen Ne Menuvu, Dulangan Manobo, Higaonon and B'laan.

During the Inter-Tribal Convention, the 6 tribes forged a unified consensus on a rotational arrangement to fill their 2 reserved seats in the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament. This is historic victory for self-determination, demonstrating how customary laws and democratic structures can merge to guarantee inclusive governance and peace.

IID salutes the strong and persistent courage, unity, resolve and resilience of the NMIP communities. The deep wisdom of their Timuays and Datus in resolving different opinions and interests especially as demonstrated by the 6-IPS member "Grievance Committee" in collectively deciding on the order of the rotational arrangement.

We stand firm with the NMIPs as they secure genuine political representation. Every tribe counts. Every voice matters.

Congratulations! It's a big success and shout out to the NMIP Committee Chair Allan Olubalang in presiding the convention, Vice Chair Datu Mario Kadingilan, emcee Jen Minted, IPS Grievance wisdomful - Timuays Alim Bandara, Jojo Ambangan and all secretariat members- Dayang Rica, Elmer Datuwata and all.

Best of luck sa matinding pressure at trabaho bilang mga Parliament Members ng BARMM sa susunod na 5 taon. Timuay Cio Datuwata at Jo Jover! Kudos! Salute! Meuyag! Ciolets Datuwata Lanz Green Leaf Dayang Rica Jojo Ambangan Ets Remle Madrano Alim M. Bandara

24/08/2026

IN PHOTOS: Women and Youth IDP Leaders Engage in Multi-Day Leadership Sessions

From August 18 to 23, 2026, the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) conducted two batches of intensive leadership training sessions for women and youth participants from different IDP shelters in Marawi City and Saguiaran.

The capacity-building initiative brought together community leaders and representatives from 12 transitory shelters for workshops, discussions, and skills-sharing focused on strengthening leadership, community organizing, and rights advocacy.

Grounded in the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda, the training highlighted the important roles of women and youth in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, community recovery, and advancing inclusive and participatory governance.

Key Highlights of the Training:
*WPS Localization – Strengthening the meaningful participation of women and youth in peace and security efforts.
*Rights Advocacy – Building knowledge and skills for grassroots advocacy and advancing community rights.
*Women and Youth Collaboration – Encouraging intergenerational learning and collective action for stronger communities.

This initiative was made possible through the valuable support of Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World). Thank you for walking with us in building more empowered, peaceful, and resilient communities!

20/08/2026

17/08/2026

𝗡𝗢 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗪𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘.

Duyog Bangsamoro welcomes the resumption of meetings between the GPH and M**F Peace Implementing Panels on 4 August 2026—a necessary step toward moving the Bangsamoro peace process forward.

We urge both Parties to act with urgency on the remaining commitments under the CAB, particularly on normalization, decommissioning, socio-economic interventions, camp transformation, transitional justice, and security arrangements. A clear roadmap, with concrete milestones and timelines, is needed to sustain public confidence and accountability.

The peace process is bigger than the coming elections. Whatever the electoral outcome, the GPH and M**F must continue working together toward the faithful implementation of the CAB.

Duyog Bangsamoro remains ready to accompany both Parties and help safeguard the gains of the peace process.

Read our full statement below.