PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has endorsed five gubernatorial candidates in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in a move deemed crucial in reshaping the political landscape in the region.

The President made the endorsement of the five candidates during a recent consultative meeting with regional leaders and incumbent governors at the Aguado Residence in Manila.

The meeting, which was aimed at solidifying political unity in the region, was attended by top political figures, including ruling party Partido Federal ng Pilipinas national president Reynaldo Tamayo, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, and a number of high-ranking officials from Mindanao.

During the gathering, the President raised the hands of the endorsed gubernatorial candidates, signaling his full support for their bids.

The candidates endorsed by President Marcos were Datu Tucao Mastura, mayor of Sultan Kudarat for Maguindanao del Norte; Datu Ali Midtimbang, mayor of Talayan for Maguindanao del Sur; incumbent Gov. Ysmael "Mang" Sali for Tawi-Tawi (running for reelection); Mamintal "Bombit" Adiong for Lanao del Sur; and Hajiman "Jim" Hataman Salliman for Basilan.

According to Assistant Secretary Jordan Bayam of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, the endorsement was aimed at strengthening the political unity of the Bangsamoro region in preparation for the 2025 elections.

"The objective of this initiative is to ensure that we have unified leadership in the Bangsamoro region, one that can drive peace, development, and progress," Bayam said in a statement.

"With these candidates, we believe the region will continue its journey toward a more peaceful and prosperous future," added Bayam.

The endorsement, which is seen as a pivotal moment ahead of the May 12, 2025 national and local elections, signals the consolidation of political support in the region as it continues to transition from decades of conflict towards greater autonomy.

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