UBJP remains as sole, official MILF political party – Ebrahim
EBRAHIM (Photo via Keith Bacongco)
DAVAO CITY – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said that the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) remains their sole and official political party.
The MILF issued the statement following the formation and launching of a new political party, the Bangsamoro Federal Party, here.
"The MILF clarifies that any assembly, gathering, or initiative purporting to establish or organize another political party, particularly those calling upon members of the MILF's military or political committees or members to attend, participate, be a member of, or support, is not authorized, recognized, or sanctioned by the MILF or the UBJP,” said MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim.
Embrahim directed all officials and members of the MILF to exercise vigilance and refrain from engaging in activities that may sow confusion, division, or misrepresentation of the official political structure of the MILF.
He warned that any MILF official or member found guilty of violating this directive may be subject to disciplinary action.
On April 2, officials and members of the BFP gathered in a hotel in this city for their first general assembly.
Among those who attended were Bangsamoro Transition Authority Members of Parliament, MILF, and UBJP officials.
In a Facebook post, BTA Member of Parliament Abdulbasit Benito said that 90 percent of the mayors from Maguindanao del Sur were present in the gathering.
Based on the circulating list of officials, the BFP is chaired by Member of Parliament Tomanda Antok and Jordan Bayam as general party vice chairperson.
Bayam is the executive director of the Office for Bangsamoro Transformation Cluster of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU).
Also present were Naguib Sinarimbo, Guiamal Abdulrahman, Ma-arouph Candao, Kitem Kadatuan, Butch Malang, Suwaib Oranon, Alindatu Pagayao, and Susana Anayatin.
Member of Parliament Akmad Abas was listed as among the participants but he vehemently denied participation and remains a member of the UBJP. Abas is the chief of the Eastern Mindanao Front of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the armed wing of the MILF.