Sheikh Gumander Defends Ulama’s Role in Politics, Cites 2000 Bangsamoro Ulama Statement
COTABATO CITY (July 2, 2026) — Sheikh Abdulhadie bin Al-Shaheed Gumander, Steering Committee Chairman of the Multi-Sectoral Peace Rally, on Thursday issued a statement through his official Facebook page responding to calls for the Ulama to remain neutral and refrain from participating in politics to avoid damaging their credibility.
In his post, Gumander rejected that position, arguing that the Ulama should not remain neutral on political matters. He said his position is based on what he described as the 2000 Ulama Statement adopted during the First Bangsamoro Ulama Summit held in Cotabato City.
Opening his statement, Gumander wrote:
“ANG PINAINGATAN NATIN KAHAPON AY NAGKATOTOO NA NGAYON.”
He also addressed criticisms directed at him, saying: “Hindi ako tutugon sa anumang mga akusasyon o paninirang-puri na nakadirekta sa akin, at wala akong kaaway at inaaway, at hindi ako aatake sa sinuman at mahal ko ang lahat.”
Gumander said he believes the Bangsamoro are facing a critical period and disagreed with the view that the Ulama should remain politically neutral.
He stated: “Para sa akin, naniniwala ako na dumaraan ang mga Bangsamoro sa pinaka-mahirap at pinaka-mapanganib na sitwasyon, at ang opinyon na walang Jihad o tapos na ngayon ang Jihad, at ang mga Ulama ay dapat manahimik o manatiling neutral, ay isang maling opinyon na hindi batay sa katotohanan, at ang pagsasabi nito ay isang hindi makatwiran, hindi katanggap-tanggap, at iresponsableng pahayag.”
According to Gumander, neutrality should apply only to those tasked with facilitating reconciliation among leaders.
He added: “Maging neutral na ang mga naatasang mag-aayos at gusto mag-ayos sa pamamagitan ng mga leaders – kung posible pa ba – for the sake of reconciliation lamang, subalit hindi dapat maging neutral sa usaping pampulitika o sa labintatlong partido.”
Gumander further maintained that members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) should support the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).
He said: “Dapat pumanig sa United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) ang sinumang membro ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), at hindi dapat tumalikod o tumiwalag sa UBJP ang sinumang membro nito o membro ng MILF, lalung-lalo na sa transisyonal na yugto nito ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).”
He concluded his statement with an appeal for understanding, saying: “Sana walang masaktan o magalit sa akin, lalo na iyong mga dati at tunay na mga Mujahideen, at sa kabilang panig ay ang mga tunay na yumakap sa demokrasya!”
Gumander said his position is anchored on the principles contained in the 2000 Ulama Statement from the First Bangsamoro Ulama Summit in Cotabato City. As of posting, no response from those advocating political neutrality for the Ulama was included in his statement. (BMN/ BangsamoroToday.com)
