Party switching reshapes Bangsamoro political landscape

COTABATO CITY—Political realignments continue to reshape the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ahead of the Sept. 14 parliamentary elections, with more leaders leaving the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) for the newly formed Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP).

The latest defector is Maguindanao del Sur Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who won in the 2025 elections under the UBJP, the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). He formally joined the BFP on Thursday alongside local officials from several Maguindanao del Sur towns.

Inclusive

BFP Cotabato City chapter head Naguib Sinarimbo said the party welcomes those who support inclusive governance.

According to Mangudadatu, he joined the BFP because it is “development-oriented, service-driven and committed to the welfare of the people,” but clarified, “I am not saying the UBJP is otherwise,” while thanking the party for its support.

His transfer followed the defection of Member of Parliament Kelie Antao, who also joined the BFP. BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua later appointed Antao administrator of the Special Geographic Area.

Earlier, Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao, Vice Mayor Johair Madag, several city councilors and other local officials from Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi also shifted to the BFP. —EDWIN O. FERNANDEZ