MP Macapaar thanks supporters, AFP after BARMM polls

COTABATO CITY — Member of Parliament Abdullah "Commander Bravo" Macapaar, Front Commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) North Western Mindanao Front and a sitting Member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, thanked supporters who voted for the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) in the September 14 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE), even as he acknowledged falling short of the votes needed to secure a seat in the incoming 80-seat Parliament through the party-list bloc.

"Alam kong marami sa inyo ang nalulungkot dahil di man umabot ang boto ninyo na makapasok ako sa 80 block seats ng Parliamento," Macapaar said, urging his supporters not to lose hope. He said the more important outcome was the victory of MILF Chairman and former BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, whose win, he said, "ay panalo nating lahat."

Macapaar said he remains confident in Ebrahim's leadership and in the incoming UBJP bloc in Parliament, saying he trusts they will not abandon their constituents. He cited a verse from Surah Al-Anfal (8:30) — "And they planned, and Allah planned. And Allah is the best of planners" — as a reminder that outcomes ultimately rest with divine will, and said he would continue serving the Bangsamoro people in his capacity as Front Commander.

In a separate official press statement dated September 17, 2026, Macapaar's office thanked the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) for coordinating his travel from Camp Bilal Munai in Lanao del Norte to Camp Bilal Wafo-Balindong in Lanao del Sur in connection with the historic first BPE. He also thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade under Brig. Gen. Bernardo Taqueban and the 103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade under Brig. Gen. Jessie Montoya, for providing road security during his travels on September 12 and September 16.

Macapaar singled out the 103rd Infantry Brigade for assisting him in what he called a historic personal milestone — casting a ballot for the first time.

"Sa buong buhay ko, ngayon lang ako nakaboto, at napakalaking bagay nito para sa akin at sa peace process," he said.

He also acknowledged that the elections were not without cost, noting that the polls saw collateral damage, including Bangsamoro casualties attributed to intense loyalty to rival party-lists.

"We mourn their loss," he said, while describing the overall conduct of the BPE as peaceful, honest, and orderly, and thanked voters and constituents who turned out to cast their ballots.