Hashim congratulates poll winners, urges unity

COTABATO CITY — Outgoing Member of Parliament Abdullah Hashim on Friday issued a formal statement congratulating the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) for securing a significant number of seats in the 2026 Bangsamoro Parliament elections, while urging the Bangsamoro public to set aside political rivalries as the region moves into its next government.

Hashim, who served as an MILF-nominated MP during the transition period, thanked the MILF Central Committee for the opportunity to serve and said he had tried to push forward the "spirit of the peace agreements despite challenges and setbacks" during his term.

"I have also tried to hear the concerns of the Bangsamoro people and address them, through legislation and direct action, as far as practicable," he said, adding well-wishes for UBJP and the incoming Parliament.

The MP extended his congratulations as well to the other parties that won seats in the polls, framing electoral outcomes as ultimately a matter of divine decree. He reminded incoming officials that their mandate carries accountability "in the hereafter," regardless of how their victories were secured.

Hashim also congratulated all newly elected MPs collectively, noting that the incoming Chief Minister — who will lead the Bangsamoro Government — will emerge from among them. He said it is incumbent on Muslims to pray for their leaders' success, to offer private counsel where possible, and, failing that, to focus quietly on personal and community responsibilities.

Closing his statement, Hashim appealed to Bangsamoro Muslims to avoid deepening political divisions, citing Qur'anic verse Ali-'Imran 3:103 on unity among believers. He called for wisdom and gentleness in handling internal disagreements and stressed the importance of religious knowledge grounded in proper understanding.

"May Allāh guide our leaders and the Bangsamoro, in what pleases Him," Hashim said in closing.

The statement, dated September 19, 2026, was issued from the Office of MP Abdullah Hashim at the Bangsamoro Transition Authority–Parliament.