COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) North Western Mindanao Front chief commander Hadji Abdullah “Bravo” G. Macapaar has accepted the outcome of the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election, thanking those who supported his candidacy while reaffirming his commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process and its people.
Macapaar issued the statement on September 17, a day after the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) completed the proclamation of all 80 members of the first elected Bangsamoro Parliament.
The historic September 14 election marked the Bangsamoro’s transition from its seven-year interim government under the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to a regular elected parliamentary government. The 80-member Parliament is composed of 40 regional party representatives, 32 district representatives and eight sectoral representatives.
For Macapaar, however, the election carried a deeply personal significance: it was the first time in his life that he exercised his right to vote.
In his official statement issued from the North Western Mindanao Front headquarters, Macapaar expressed gratitude to the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) for coordinating and securing his movements between Camp Bilal in Munai, Lanao del Norte, and Camp Bilal in Wao-Balindong, Lanao del Sur.
He also thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade and the 103rd Infantry “Haribon” Brigade, for facilitating road security during his travels on September 12 and 16.
Macapaar gave particular recognition to the 103rd Infantry Brigade for assisting him during what he described as a historic personal moment — his first exercise of suffrage.
“Sa buong buhay ko, ngayon lang ako nakaboto,” Macapaar said, describing the experience as significant not only to him personally but also to the peace process.
The MILF commander also acknowledged that the election was not without tragedy.
He said he mourned the Bangsamoro residents who died amid incidents connected to the electoral contest, describing the casualties as a painful consequence of intense political loyalties.
At the same time, Macapaar said he viewed the election as generally peaceful, honest and orderly when considered as a whole.
His assessment broadly echoed the initial assessment of authorities. The Palace, citing the Philippine National Police, said the September 14 polls were generally peaceful and orderly despite isolated incidents of violence and casualties.
Macapaar then turned to the supporters who had backed his candidacy.
He thanked those who voted for his party and acknowledged the disappointment of supporters who had hoped his vote would be enough to secure him one of the Parliament’s seats.
But rather than dwell on his failure to secure a seat, Macapaar urged his supporters not to lose hope.
He said the more important development, from his perspective, was that MILF Chairman Murad Ebrahim had secured a place in the new Parliament, along with other members of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).
“The most important thing of all is that our respected Chairman Murad Ebrahim won and is in. Their victory is our victory,” Macapaar said in his message.
Macapaar also sought to reassure supporters who were concerned about what would happen to him after the election.
He said they should not worry about his political future, expressing confidence in Ebrahim and the UBJP members who won seats in the new Parliament.
“I know their hearts, and they will continue the fight for our people,” Macapaar said.
His statement comes at a consequential point in the Bangsamoro transition. Under the parliamentary system, the people elect members of Parliament, while the Chief Minister is chosen by the newly elected Parliament rather than directly by voters. The first elected members are scheduled to assume office on October 30, 2026.
The election itself represents a major institutional shift for the former rebel movement and the wider Bangsamoro peace process. The MILF’s participation in electoral politics follows years of negotiations and the transition from armed struggle toward political governance under the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the subsequent creation of the BARMM. The national government has described the parliamentary elections as part of the MILF’s historic transition into democratic political participation.
For Macapaar, the result does not appear to mark the end of his role in the Bangsamoro.
Instead, he framed the election as another stage in a longer struggle — one that he said must continue through political engagement, public service and the pursuit of peace.
Quoting the Qur’an, Macapaar invoked Surah Al-Anfal 8:30, emphasizing his belief that human plans ultimately remain subject to the will of Allah.
“We plan, but Allah is the best planner,” he said.
Macapaar closed his statement with a direct message to his supporters and the Bangsamoro people:
“I am still here with you.”
He pledged that Commander Bravo would continue to love, watch over and serve the Bangsamoro.
The statement places Macapaar’s election defeat within a broader message of continuity: while he did not obtain a seat in the first elected Bangsamoro Parliament, he said his commitment to the Bangsamoro people and the peace process remains unchanged.
The first elected Parliament now faces the task of turning the historic transition into functioning democratic governance, with its members expected to assume office next month and select the region’s Chief Minister.