Cotabato City — The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Sema Faction staged a historic Grand Reunion and Solidarity gathering on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the KCC Mall Convention Center in Cotabato City. The event, attended by more than 2,500 members and leaders from across Mindanao, underscored the group’s continuing commitment to unity, peace, and development in the Bangsamoro region.
With the theme “ONE MNLF, ONE BANGSAMORO,” the reunion brought together MNLF Central Committee officers, commanders, and members from Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, the Special Geographic Areas, and Cotabato City. Present were key figures including MNLF Chairman and Bangsamoro Party (BaPa) President Muslimin G. Sema, MP Atty. Omar Yasser Sema, MP Hatimil Hassan, MP Faizal “Datu Randy” Karon, MP Baiali S. Karon, MP Adzfar Usman, MTIT Minister Farserina Mohammad, Former MTIT Minister Abuamri Taddik, BaPa Lanao del Sur Chairman Abduljabbar Mamoclo, and former congresswoman Bai Sandra Sema, among others.
In his keynote message, Chairman Muslimin Sema reminded members never to forget the principles for which the MNLF has long struggled—justice, dignity, and self-determination for the Moro people. He emphasized that unity and collective action remain essential in building a more peaceful and prosperous Bangsamoro. “We must stand firm in our ideals and continue to fight for the dignity of our people,” Sema said.
The reunion also coincided with the 53rd commemoration of Martial Law, a painful memory for the Bangsamoro. Leaders recalled how the Marcos dictatorship’s declaration in 1972 unleashed violence and attempts to suppress Moro identity. They vowed that such tyranny must never again be allowed to erase the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
A manifesto was read during the event, centering on key commitments: a call for unity, solidarity for lasting peace, vigilance against threats, building resilient communities, cooperation for collective progress, and a pledge to future generations. The manifesto reaffirmed the faction’s determination to work with all stakeholders toward long-term peace and stability in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
MP Faizal “Datu Randy” Karon highlighted the strong turnout as proof of the MNLF’s enduring strength. “This gathering shows that the MNLF remains resilient and united,” he said, adding that forgiveness and reconciliation are vital steps toward genuine peace.
The reunion was not only a homecoming of veterans and young members but also a renewed affirmation of the MNLF’s role in the ongoing peace process. By honoring its history while pledging solidarity for the future, the Sema Faction signaled its unwavering resolve to protect Moro culture, rights, and aspirations, and to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the Bangsamoro people.