A gun ban has been enforced starting July 16, 2026, across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), marking the official start of the election period for the region's first parliamentary polls.The election, scheduled for September 14, 2026, will see 2.3 million voters elect 80 members of the Bangsamoro parliament, signaling a transition from an interim government to a democratically elected body.Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua emphasized the significance of the election as a formal exercise of the people's sovereign will.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the campaign period from July 30 to September 12, with the election period extending until September 29.The ban applies to all except those authorized by Comelec.Political tensions remain high, with the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) and the Bangsamoro Federalist Party vying for dominance.Security concerns persist due to ongoing violence, clan feuds ('rido'), and attacks on politicians.

The Comelec, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces of the Philippines have pledged to ensure a secure electoral process, citing 86 areas of concern.Nonprofit Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) warned of increased violence in 2026, driven by political and extremist conflicts.The region faces challenges in maintaining stability amid competing political interests and security threats.