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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider MILF vice chair urges followers to ensure UBJP victory

MILF vice chair urges followers to ensure UBJP victory

Published Sep 13, 2025 01:36 pm
IQBAL
IQBAL
DAVAO CITY – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Vice Chairman Mohagher Iqbal has urged their followers to ensure the victory of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party in the first parliamentary elections next month to preserve autonomy in the region.
Speaking at the recent UBJP campaign rally in the coastal town of Malabang in Lanao del Sur, Iqbal reminded the crowd the importance of dominating the first parliamentary elections on Oct. 13 to ensure the continuity of the implementation of the peace agreement.
He appealed to their supporters that this coming elections is vital for the future of the people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“Alam ba ninyo kung matalo ang UBJP? Ano bang mangyayari sa atin kung matalo tayo? pag hindi tayo nanalo, lalaho ng lalaho ang autonomy,” said Iqbal, who is also the education minister in the region.
(You know what will happen if UBJP loses? If we don’t win, autonomy will disappear)
The MILF official reminded the crowd that autonomy is a product of 50 years of struggle of the Bangsamoro people.
“We achieved autonomy because of the armed struggle, negotiation as well as through plebiscite. This is not free, we paid our blood, sweat and tears.”
Iqbal admitted that he is wary that if the UBJP would be defeated in the coming elections, autonomy could be in peril as well.
He chided those who are trying to bring down the MILF amid the recent abrupt changes in the BARMM leadership.
Iqbal recalled that former BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, better known as Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, was once a target of a demolition job until he was eventually replaced.
Ebrahim was linked to alleged misuse of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which was investigated by the House of Representatives.
However, when Ebrahim was removed from office, the issue died down, said Iqbal.
“Hanggang sumunod niyan ako. Anyway, nakahanda naman kami na idepensa po namin ang sarili. Welcome na welcome ‘yang special audit on MBTHE (Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education).”
(Until I was ousted. I am ready to defend myself. The special audit on the MBHTE is welcome)
Iqbal was referring to the alleged questionable P1.7-billion transactions in his office.
He believes that there are still some sectors that want to intervene in running the Bangsamoro government. “Meron mga grupo na ang gusto nila na mula noon hanggang ngayon ay ‘yung leeg natin ay mahawakan.”
(There are groups that want to rule then until now)
He said that MILF officials who are now part of UBJP are not politicians.
Iqbal vowed that they will uphold what has been signed under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) along with the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
“We are appealing to give the people freedom to choose, especially in choosing who lead the BARMM because that’s one of the essence of the right to self-determination,” Iqbal said.

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UBJP Mohagher Iqbal MILF parliamentary elections
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