DAVAO CITY – The Bangsamoro Ulama in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has reaffirmed their support to the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
THE MILF consultative assembly in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao del Norte on March 16. (MILF)
The Ulamas, who are among the respected religious leaders in the region, issued the statement following the replacement of Ahod Ebrahim as BARMM interim chief minister last week.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Abdularaof Macacua as Ebrahim’s successor.
The MILF expressed disappointment over the decision move and remained firm on retaining Ebrahim as interim chief minister.
The Muslim religious leaders pledged to refrain from challenging Ebrahim in word or deed and declared their full and steadfast support to the MILF leadership.
“This leadership has spearheaded the peaceful struggle and negotiations to secure the legitimate rights of our people,” said the Ulamas, who were present in the recent consultative meeting called by the MILF in its main headquarters in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindano del Norte over the weekend.
The MILF Central Committee organized the consultative assembly which was attended by at least 500 representatives from different sectors.
“Over decades of struggle, the Front has proven itself a true representative of the Moro people, steadfastly adhering to the tolerant principles of Islam and striving for justice and dignity for the people of Bangsamoro,” the Ulamas added.
The MILF has questioned the President’s appointment of Macacua and some members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority as it undermines Section 2, Article XVI of the Bangsamoro Islamic Law that states that "the Moro Islamic Liberation Front shall lead the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, without prejudice to the participation of the Moro National Liberation Front in its membership."
Ebrahim, popularly known as Al Haj Murad, is the current MILF chairman while Macacua is the chief of staff of its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).
The Ulamas explained their support to the MILF, saying that the group embodies the aspirations of the people and adheres to Islamic governance principles, aligning with Quranic and Prophetic teachings to establish justice.
They lauded the tangible achievements of the organization as it successfully transitioned from armed struggle to a political path when it established effective governance institutions such as the Bangsamoro Transitional Government.
The MILF has united Bangsamoro's diverse factions under one banner and strengthened the solidarity in facing challenges, the Ulamas said.
Despite changes in the BARMM leadership, Ebrahim still earned the support of all six front commanders and six base commanders across Mindanao since he is still the recognized commander-in-chief of the BIAF.
Twelve base commanders, mostly from Maguindanao provinces, expressed support to the new interim chief minister.
According to a source in the MILF, among the most notable front commanders who remain loyal to their chain-of-command are Jack Abas of Eastern Mindanao Front and Western Mindanao Front commander Abdullah Macapaar, popularly known as Commander Bravo.
The source added that each BIAF front consists of at least six base commands with an estimated 3,000 followers and regular combatants.