March 16, 2025 – Camp Darapanan
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has expressed strong concerns over recent changes in the leadership and composition of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), citing violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
During a Consultative Assembly held today in Camp Darapanan, key MILF officials, political and military leaders, religious figures, and Bangsamoro stakeholders gathered to discuss the issue and reaffirm their commitment to the peace process. The assembly coincided with the holy month of Ramadhan and came just days before the anniversary of the CAB signing.
The assembly revealed growing frustrations within the Bangsamoro community regarding the recent appointments made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which did not fully adhere to the list of 41 nominees officially submitted by the MILF. Of the endorsed names, only 35 were appointed, a move the MILF considers as government interference in its internal affairs and a direct threat to the autonomy guaranteed under the BOL.
According to Section 2, Article XVI of the BOL, the MILF is mandated to lead the BTA, while allowing participation from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). The MILF contends that the deviation from the agreed list undermines this provision and violates the CAB’s Annex on Transitional Arrangements, which states that the BTA should be MILF-led.
Adding to the MILF’s concerns is the unilateral appointment of a new interim Chief Minister (ICM) by the National Government, disregarding multiple resolutions from the MILF Central Committee advocating for the retention of the previous ICM. While acknowledging the President’s authority to make such an appointment, MILF leaders stressed that meaningful consultation with the organization should have taken place to preserve the trust and cooperation essential to the peace process.
Despite these setbacks, the MILF Central Committee urged the Bangsamoro people to remain united and resist any attempts to create division among them. Attendees of the assembly reaffirmed their loyalty to MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and pledged continued support for the organization’s leadership.
“The integrity of the peace process and the future of the Bangsamoro depend on our collective effort to uphold the agreements that were signed in good faith,” the MILF stated. “We must work together to ensure that the transition remains on the right path.”
The MILF called on the National Government to honor the commitments made under the CAB and the BOL, stressing that adherence to the agreements is vital in sustaining peace and stability in the region. The organization remains steadfast in its advocacy for genuine autonomy and inclusive governance in the Bangsamoro.
