Sir IQ: The Architect of Peace Under Fire

Mohagher M. Iqbal, IQ to comrades and friends is a testament to the power of dedicated service and unwavering principle, a man whose journey from the crucible of conflict to the corridors of governance is a profound narrative of transformation and enduring commitment. His is not a story of fleeting influence, but of a life woven into the very fabric of peace itself.

For decades, Minister Iqbal was known as a tireless negotiator, a voice of reason and resolve in the long and arduous peace process. He possessed a clarity of vision and a steadfastness that were instrumental in navigating the complex discussions that ultimately led to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). This was more than a political accord; it was a beacon of hope, a roadmap to a future free from the shadow of armed conflict. His role was not merely to articulate demands, but to bridge divides, to build trust where there was once only suspicion, and to forge a path toward a shared destiny. His leadership was focused, his resolve unyielding, and his integrity a constant North Star in the often-murky waters of negotiation.

Now, as the Minister of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education, he brings that same focused leadership and integrity to the crucial task of building the future of the Bangsamoro through its children and youth. Yet, a man who has dedicated his life to a cause so profound is not without his detractors. He finds himself under fire, caught in a tempest of political maneuvering both from within and outside the BARMM. His “hardline” stance as a member of the MILF central committee is now being weaponized against him, a testament to the enduring friction that often accompanies profound change.

But what some call “hardline” is, in reality, a deeply held commitment to the principles that underpinned the peace agreement. It is a refusal to compromise on the fundamental tenets of the Bangsamoro struggle—justice, self-determination, and the preservation of identity. It is the unwavering conviction that the sacrifices made for peace must not be in vain. His is the burden of a man who knows the cost of conflict firsthand and is determined to see the fruits of peace fully realized.

In this current storm, it is easy to forget the long road he has traveled. It is easy to see the political strategist and forget the peacemaker. But to truly understand Minister Iqbal is to recognize that these two roles are inseparable. His leadership and integrity are not just a matter of personal character; they are the very foundation upon which the fragile edifice of peace was built.

He remains a pillar of the Bangsamoro transition, a reminder that the path to lasting peace is not a sprint, but a marathon—one that requires not only great vision but also the courage to stand firm when the ground beneath you begins to shift. His is a legacy of peace, and in the face of political headwinds, that legacy shines ever brighter, a testament to a life lived in service of a greater good. Allah knows best. (Note: This article is shared by BMN/BangsamoroToday with the author’s permission, Abdullah P. Salik, Jr.)