Murad vows continued push for reforms, moral governance

COTABATO CITY – Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim has vowed that the MILF and its political party will continue to advance genuine reforms, moral governance, peace and meaningful development for the Bangsamoro people, after the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament elected its leaders.

"There is still much work to be done, and we continue to encourage every Bangsamoro to unite, participate, and take an active role in building a more prosperous, peaceful, stable, and stronger Bangsamoro," Murad said in a Facebook post on Saturday, Oct. 3), written in Filipino.

On behalf of the MILF and the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), Murad thanked the Bangsamoro people for their "continued trust, support, and solidarity in pursuing our shared aspirations."

Murad, who is also UBJP president and served as the first Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from 2019 to 2025, was nominated for Chief Minister by MP Mohagher Iqbal during the inaugural session of the 80-member Parliament on Oct. 30. He lost to Abdulraof Macacua, the former chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the MILF's military wing.

Neither Murad nor Iqbal, MILF vice chairman, was elected to a parliamentary leadership post during the election of officers at the session.

After the vote, Murad stood, walked to Macacua's seat, congratulated him and embraced him.

Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento, concurrent chair of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace Implementing Panel, praised the MILF chairman for the gesture.

"Today, as the Bangsamoro enters a new chapter with the election of its Chief Minister and Parliament Speaker, I wish to recognize MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim for demonstrating the spirit of statesmanship I had hoped to see, placing the greater interest of the Bangsamoro above political differences," Sarmiento said in a message posted on the Facebook page of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

Sarmiento said Murad's lifelong advocacy for peace and meaningful self-governance showed that autonomy "is not merely about political power, but about empowering people, unlocking economic opportunities, and realizing the Bangsamoro's fullest potential."

"Leadership is not measured by the power one holds, but by the future one helps secure for the people," he said.

Sarmiento urged all Bangsamoro leaders to work together "to transform the hard-earned gains of peace into lasting prosperity."