The decision of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to back the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo “is a vote for peace and progress in a large area of Mindanao that for centuries has eluded both,” said House Deputy Speaker and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman.
Hataman underscored the “great impact” of the MILF’s unprecedented move, through the Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), to support a presidential candidate “on the future of this successful peace project in this once-troubled land.”
He noted that the MILF’s support for Robredo would have a “domino effect” on her local campaign in Mindanao due to the organization’s influence not only in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) but on the whole island, as well.
“It was the UBJP and the MILF which said VP Leni is the best partner to sustain the peace being enjoyed now in Mindanao,” he said.
“So we believe this endorsement will have a domino effect in many places not only in BARMM, but also the entire Mindanao. First is the support of the Maguindanao governor for VP Leni,” added Hataman.
Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who is running anew for senator under the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem, said the MILF’s endorsement was a boost to the vice president’s campaign in Mindanao. Trillanes clarified that the MILF was not a rebel group, and they ruled over BARMM so they have huge influence.
“So this, what happened in Muslim Mindanao, is a big addition for VP Leni,” stressed Trillanes.
The Muslim Mindanao vote, he said, would be divided for the first time because it usually went to an administration candidate.
Meanwhile, Hataman said that what the future holds was more important, if the interest of the Moros will be protected, if the path of peace is kept, and who can this be entrusted to.”
Hataman thus called on the MILF to reach out to its allies and supporters even outside the region to also give the Robredo campaign a boost.
The congressman expects more local officials from the region to come out for the Robredo-Pangilinan tandem during the elections.
