UBJP Leaders, Party President Ebrahim Grace General Assembly, Mass Oath-taking in Basilan

COTABATO CITY (May 19, 2024) — The leadership of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party led by the UBJP President and Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Alhaj Murad” B. Ebrahim graced the UBJP Provincial and City General Assembly and Mass Oath-taking on Thursday (May 16) at Lamitan City, Basilan Province. There were 11 vice-mayors of Basilan Province, 80 municipal councilors, 174 Barangay CHairmen together with the city councilors of Lamitan, 2,172 Barangay Kagawad, and 2,755 MILF who took their oath as members of UBJP.

Basilan Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman, together with more than 10,000 attendees welcomed the UBJP leaders. The governor emphasized his commitment to honesty and the development of the province and highlighted the collective efforts and sacrifices made by the people of Basilan in overcoming numerous challenges.

He stressed the importance of acknowledging everyone’s contributions and discouraged any form of arrogance or domination in claiming success. “Lahat tayo na involved dito, at nag sacrifice tayo,” he stated, urging unity and sincerity among the residents.

The governor reminded the community of the importance of honesty even in conflict, stating, “Hindi ako nagsinungaling sa inyo sinabi ko ang totoo.” He urged everyone, especially the leaders, to avoid actions driven by personal interests that could harm the unity and progress of Basilan.

He emphasized the respect and love that Basilan has earned from BARMM, attributing it to their genuine and sincere leadership.

Looking forward to the 2025 elections, Governor Hataman-Salliman expressed his commitment to ensuring a landslide victory for the UBJP in Basilan.

He pledged to continue working tirelessly, engaging with all 179 Barangay captains and local officials, to secure a win for UBJP candidates at all levels, including the district and congressional seats.

The governor promised to fulfill the commitments made and work towards a successful and united Basilan under the leadership of UBJP, BARMM, and MILF.

Dan S. Asnawie highlighted the significant sacrifices made by the Bangsamoro people, noting the sweat, blood, and lives invested.

He emphasized the importance of unwavering support for the UBJP and the MILF, stating, “Walang iwanan sa MILF, walang iwanan sa UBJP” (No one will be left behind in the MILF, no one will be left behind in the UBJP).

Asnawie called on the community to sustain their support beyond elections and continue the journey towards progress and change.

Matarul M. Estino urged the community to seize the opportunity to protect their political rights and the future of Bangsamoro. He underscored the dedication of Bangsamoro leaders, led by Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, who sacrificed “dugo, pawis, luha at buhay” (blood, sweat, tears, and lives) for peace and progress.

Estino called for unity and continuous effort to safeguard the achievements of the Bangsamoro government, stressing that the benefits of their governance have already proven to be advantageous for the Bangsamoro people.

UBJP Vice President Hon. Mohagher M. Iqbal expressed his gratitude to the attendees, reflecting on the revolutionary leaders’ significant contributions. He discussed the critical role of jihad, struggle, and revolution in bringing about societal change.

Iqbal emphasized that these efforts, despite their risks and costs, have led to the autonomy the Bangsamoro people now enjoy. He called for ongoing dedication to the cause, highlighting the lasting impact on future generations.

The event was a powerful demonstration of unity and commitment, with leaders and community members reaffirming their support for the Bangsamoro government and the UBJP.

The speeches highlighted the resilience and determination of the Bangsamoro people to continue their journey towards lasting peace and development.

Governor of Maguindanao del Norte and the UBJP Secretary General Abdulraof A. Macacua spoke about the foundational values of the UBJP, highlighting the need for a genuine and principled political party. He recounted the formation of the UBJP during negotiations with the Philippine government, emphasizing the party’s commitment to reforming the political system.

Macacua shared an anecdote about registering the UBJP with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), where a commander expressed doubt about the existence of a principled political party in the Philippines. In response, Macacua said, “We will bring our principles from the revolutionary struggle into the political arena. If we could achieve change during our struggle, we can certainly do it in our political efforts.” He expressed confidence in the UBJP’s success, supported by the dedication and vision of its members.

President of UBJP and Bangsamoro Chief Minister “Alhaj Murad” Ebrahim called the current political exercise a “final battle” to change the system fundamentally.

“Itong aming pagpunta ngayon sa assembly na ito ay patunay at deklerasyon na seryoso ang MILF sa pamamagitan ng UBJP sa opisyal na paglahok nito sa electoral process ng ating rehiyon. Kagaya ng panawagan ng marami, taliwas sa paniniwala ng ilan, ka isa tayo sa panawagan ng malinis, totoo at tamang election sa 2025,” he said in Filipino.

Ebrahim highlighted the achievements of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) since its establishment, including numerous projects in health, education, and infrastructure.

“Simula po nang maupo tayo bilang tagapamahala sa BARMM, marami na po tayong natapos, Alhamdulillah. Marami na pong proyektong natapos na hinihintay ng marami sa loob ng napakahabang panahon ay sa pamahalaang BARMM lang naramdaman,” Chief Minister Ebrahim said.

He praised the collective effort of the Bangsamoro people and the guidance of Allah, stating that the progress made was due to the people’s trust and support. Ebrahim emphasized that the UBJP is committed to inclusive governance and the continuation of its struggle for systemic change.

The UBJP head announced the party’s intent to participate in the 2025 elections and urged continued support from the community to ensure further development and success in the Bangsamoro homeland. (Hasna U. Bacol, BMN/ BangsamoroToday)