Manila, Sept. 15 -- The first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections this week is a defining milestone in the peace process after the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signing some 12 years ago.

"A new dawn has broken for the Bangsamoro. I congratulate the Bangsamoro people on the successful conduct of the historic first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections," Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento said in a statement on Tuesday.

Despite some challenges, Sarmiento said Bangsamoro voters came forward with courage and conviction to choose their leaders.

This is an achievement the previous generation can only dream of, he said.

"Through the ballot, you h...