replacing the autonomous region in muslim mindanao (armm), the bangsamoro autonomous region was formed after voters decided to ratify the bangsamoro organic law in a january 21, 2019 plebiscite. the ratification was announced on january 25 by the commission on elections. this marks the beginning of the transition of the armm to the barmm. another plebiscite was held in nearby regions that sought to join the area on february 6. this plebiscite saw 63 of 67 barangays in north cotabato join bangsamoro.