COTABATO CITY — More than 300,000 members and supporters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) gathered on Monday, September 23 for the general assembly and consultative meeting to discuss the initiatives of the MILF and its political arm, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), in the ongoing struggle for peace, unity, and autonomy of the Bangsamoro.
Members of the Central Committee of the MILF, along with its Social Welfare Committee (SWC) and some of the civil society organizations (CSOs), shared their efforts and challenges in the past decades and showed their dedication to advancing the group’s goal to improve life in the Bangsamoro and fight for the right to govern based on history, culture, and religion. MILF leaders led the discussion of the steps and strategies they are implementing to continue their advocacy.
This includes the group’s transition from armed struggle to becoming a “social movement.” Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Peace Implementing Panel Chair and MBHTE Minister, said in transforming into a social movement, the MILF will remain its name, existence and values. “We will transcend from using arms as our force into using our well fought rights, laws, and institutions as force,” Iqbal stressed.
Said message reflects the new direction the MILF is taking – from the armed resistance to promoting peace through the laws and government established by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Through the UBJP, they continue their goal of fighting for the rights and upliftment of every Bangsamoro in the region. In his message, MILF Chairman and Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim stressed about the important role of the MILF as a political force and promoting social movement in the region.
“Part of our transition into a social movement is the acknowledgment of the immense responsibilities we have to bear as we, the MILF, strive to carry the torch for the Bangsamoro people. We must responsibly mobilize support from our constituents to strengthen the political legitimacy of the MILF in the upcoming elections,” Ebrahim emphasized.
Ebrahim underscored the need for unity, discipline, and everyone’s participation to achieve success for the Bangsamoro. “This requires unity, solidarity, vigilance, and a strong sense of discipline to toe the line, tom once again, In Shaa Allah, claim victory for the Bangsamoro people,” he said.
The MILF leaders also pointed out that the success they have achieved in having self-governance under BARMM was not easy. This was made possible through the dedication and strong belief of their members in their cause and advocacy. From the first days of their struggle, the MILF served as a symbol of hope and unity for the Moros in Mindanao. (Analisa P. Española)
