FOBWAI Members Renew Bay’ah to Ameerul Mujahideen Alhaj Murad Ebrahim at Camp Darapanan

COTABATO CITY (September 30, 2025) — In a powerful show of solidarity and renewed commitment, over 3,000 officers and members of the Former Overseas Bangsamoro Workers Association, Inc. (FOBWAI) gathered on Monday, September 29, 2025, to reaffirm their Bay’ah (Pledge of Allegiance) to the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under Ameerul Mujahideen, His Excellency Alhaj Murad Ebrahim.

Held at the historic Camp Darapanan, this event marked a significant reaffirmation of FOBWAI’s unwavering support for the MILF’s vision and the ongoing peace and governance efforts in the Bangsamoro region.

Key MILF Leaders Address the Gathering

H.E. Alhaj Murad Ebrahim, MILF Chairman and Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), served as the keynote speaker. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the gains of the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF, as well as the need for unity across all Bangsamoro sectors. “The commitment of every Bangsamoro, wherever they may be, is vital to preserving the peace we have fought for,” he stated.

MILF First Vice Chairman, Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and Vice President of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), lauded FOBWAI for their steadfast support over the years. “Even while abroad, your hearts remained with the Bangsamoro struggle. Your decades of loyalty have been invaluable,” he noted.

MP Haron Abas, Secretary of the MILF Central Committee, recognized FOBWAI’s significant role in promoting the Bangsamoro cause internationally. He read an official certificate from Chairman Ebrahim, acknowledging FOBWAI as an accredited organization under both the MILF and the BARMM government.

Expressions of Support and Unity

Several dignitaries delivered messages of support during the program. Former MP and Minister Aida Silongan encouraged members to take advantage of BARMM services and to participate in development programs. Former MP Ibrahim Ali expressed appreciation for the group’s contributions to the struggle. Hon. Anwar Alamada, also known as “Young Fighter,” acknowledged FOBWAI’s sacrifices while working abroad, describing its members as unsung heroes of the Bangsamoro movement. The Bangsamoro Wali, serving as the Head of FOBWAI’s Advisory Council, provided an Islamic orientation, urging everyone to fulfill their responsibilities for the sake of Allah (SWT).

FOBWAI Reaffirms Commitment

The highlight of the ceremony was the reading of FOBWAI’s Manifesto of Commitment by the association’s President (an official copy will be released separately). The manifesto outlined their continued support for the MILF and BARMM’s pursuit of peace, justice, and moral governance.

Also present at the event were Sheikh Abdulwahab Kawilan, former MILF representative to the Arab Republic of Egypt; Sheikh Mohammad Guiam-an, Chairman of the FOBWAI Board of Directors; and other officers and regional coordinators of FOBWAI.

This renewal of Bay’ah stands as a testament to the unbreakable link between Bangsamoro workers abroad and their homeland, reaffirming their crucial role in the ongoing journey toward genuine autonomy, justice, and lasting peace in the region. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/Bangsamoro Today)