MILF, BARMM leaders vow peaceful election participation

LEADERS’ SUMMIT. BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua (right), MILF chair Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim (center), and Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal meet at Camp Darapanan on May 5 to coordinate election preparations. The leaders vowed unified support for peaceful polls. (Photo courtesy of MILF)

COTABATO CITY — Senior Bangsamoro officials and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders convened Monday at the MILF’s Camp Darapanan headquarters to reaffirm their unified commitment to peaceful and democratic participation in the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.

Present at the meeting were MILF chair Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, and Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal.

“I am happy to be with our dear MILF Chairman, brother Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, and Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal to discuss the upcoming UBJP miting de avance and other important matters,” Macacua said in a statement.

The United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the MILF’s political arm, has fielded candidates for positions ranging from governor down to municipal councilor. The party’s miting de avance is scheduled for May 7.

“We have one goal—to promote peace, prosperity, and unity toward a strong Bangsamoro,” Macacua emphasized, highlighting their shared vision beyond electoral competition.

The gathering underscores BARMM’s transition from a revolutionary movement to institutional democratic governance—a historic process marked by continued cooperation among former combatants and regional officials.

“Seeing these leaders side by side sends a clear message that unity is being built daily,” Macacua added.