Manila, Aug. 14 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed optimism that the inaugural parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) would advance peace, good governance and economic development in the region.

During the presidential luncheon hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines at Diamond Hotel Philippines in Manila, Marcos said his priority is to ensure that BARMM succeeds as an autonomous government capable of delivering services and improving the lives of its people.

He said violence in the region has significantly declined compared with the organized violence and secessionist movements of previous decades.

"When you say violence is continuing [i...