PBBM Assures Safe Conduct Pass for MILF, MNLF Members with Pending Cases
COTABATO CITY (April 11, 2025) – BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua expressed his elation at President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s assurance for members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) with pending cases. This reassurance came during the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) today at the Club House of the 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, which authorizes the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) to issue a Safe Conduct Pass.
As the Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the MILF, Macacua highlighted that the NAC can now grant permits to mujahideen facing cases associated with armed struggle. These permits will allow them to travel, participate in public activities, attend important meetings, and engage with various government agencies without the fear of immediate arrest or detention while their amnesty applications are being processed.
Macacua stated that, as the Chief of Staff of the BIAF-MILF and a brother to mujahideen from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), he felt the relief of his comrades who have long lived in fear due to their pending cases about their struggle for the Bangsamoro.
He emphasized that the MOA signed by the government reflects their recognition of the legitimate cause of the MILF. “Now, by the recognition of the legitimate goals of the MILF, they no longer need to live in fear while the people they fought for continue to benefit from their sacrifices,” he said.
This move demonstrates that the struggles of the MILF and the MNLF are not criminal but rather a legitimate fight that has been acknowledged and addressed through the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). It is evidence that the path to peace benefits not only the Bangsamoro, but the entire country.
“Ito ay patunay na ang ating pinagdaanan ay hindi isang pagkakasala kundi isang lehitimong pakikibaka na kinilala at itinuwid sa pamamagitan ng Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) at ng pagtatatag ng BARMM,” said Macacua in Filipino.
Macacua also extended his gratitude to MILF Chairman Ahod “Al Haj Murad” B. Ebrahim and Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel, who have tirelessly pushed this process forward. “Above all, I thank President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. for recognizing our struggles,” he added.
Additionally, Huseyin Oruç, a member of the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT), was present to monitor the implementation of the peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the MILF. Among other prominent guests who attended the MoA signing were Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and Governor Datu Sharifudin Tucao P. Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
The issue of granting amnesty to MILF and MNLF members has lingered for years. The process should be decided promptly, rather than being kept it to appear like a blackmail method by every administration.