Peace process
Bangsamoro Rally in Cotabato Calls for Lagdameo Resignation
Bangsamoro groups rallied outside the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City on June 26 against what they described as outside interference in BARMM governance and the peace process. BARMM officials later warned the public against relying on exaggerated attendance claims and misleading images.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are protesters calling for a Peace Implementing Panel chair?
The coalition argues that appointing a new chair is necessary to continue implementing remaining commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro after the previous chair resigned in February 2026.
What Happened at the Rally
Demonstrators gathered along Gov. Gutierrez Avenue outside the Bangsamoro Government Center on June 26. Organizers placed attendance at around 400,000, while police estimates were far lower. Cotabato City Police director Col. Jibin Bongcayao estimated 50,000 to 80,000 participants, and a separate PNP count placed the crowd closer to 30,000.
The differing attendance estimates became a point of public discussion after the rally. On June 29, Bangsamoro Interior Minister Jordan Bayam warned the public against exaggerated claims and misleading images circulating online.
Protesters threw eggs and tomatoes at a tarpaulin bearing Lagdameo's image while chanting for his resignation. A simultaneous protest was held in Binidayan, Lanao del Sur, where participants carried signs calling for a government peace panel chair and for the peace deal to be honored.
The demonstrations came as BARMM prepares for its first parliamentary election, with governance, peace process, and election issues becoming major topics in public discussion.
What the Coalition Wants
Recover BARMM Now presented three primary demands: the resignation of Lagdameo, the reinstatement of Ebrahim as BARMM chief minister, and the immediate appointment of a head for the Peace Implementing Panel.
Organizers said their demands were meant to support the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, arguing that unresolved commitments should be completed before the region moves to an elected Parliament.
Speakers also warned against interference in the Bangsamoro parliamentary election scheduled for September 14, 2026, when BARMM is expected to hold its first parliamentary election under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Why the Peace Panel Matters
The Peace Implementing Panel serves as the formal mechanism between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for coordinating the remaining commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
The post has remained vacant since retired general Cesar Yano resigned in February 2026. Recover BARMM Now argued that the vacancy has slowed discussions on pending commitments under the peace agreement, including normalization and other transition mechanisms.
Organizers said completing these commitments is especially important before BARMM holds its first parliamentary election later this year.
Why Lagdameo Is the Target
Coalition spokesperson Sheik Abdulhadie Gumander said Lagdameo advised President Marcos to replace Ebrahim with Abdulraof Macacua as BARMM chief minister in March 2025. The claim is an accusation from the coalition, and Lagdameo had not publicly answered it in the cited reports.
The leadership change became one of the coalition's central grievances because organizers believe it affected the political transition envisioned under the Bangsamoro peace agreement.
Gumander also accused Lagdameo of influencing the reduction of MILF parliamentary seats to 35. The MILF has disputed national decisions affecting its role in the regional government.
Opposition to Lagdameo among regional leaders had been building for some time. Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Ali Mangudadatu had previously called for his resignation over similar concerns about outside influence in BARMM governance. A think tank also warned in June that political tensions in the region were converging with the approaching elections.
How Officials Responded
Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento said the Marcos administration remains committed to the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
Chief Minister Macacua described the rally as a healthy sign of democracy and said he had no objection as long as participants remained peaceful. Interior Minister Bayam separately urged the public to be cautious about attendance claims and imagery spreading online.
Recover BARMM Now said further peaceful actions would follow if their demands go unaddressed.