The United Bangsamoro Justice Party, the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has expressed support for the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.
“In the many engagements with her on specific concerns of the Bangsamoro, we feel her compassion and support,” said Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim on April 23.
Murad made the formal announcement, the first time the MILF endorsed a presidential candidate for the elections, during an event in Camp Darapanan in the province of Sultan Kudarat.
“[W]hen we needed allies in Congress, and as vice president of the Philippines, Leni Robredo was there for us,” said Murad. “She was there for Marawi. She makes time for the Bangsamoro.”
Robredo thanked the party for the support and vowed to focus on measures to help the Bangsamoro people.
CNN Philippines noted that the move of the MILF came amid reports that some governors of the Bangsamoro Region have expressed their support for Robredo’s rival, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.
Robredo, who turned 57 on Saturday, said the endorsement was “the biggest birthday gift that I received.”
In his announcement of support, Murad said Robredo’s “principles, goals, and values” are compatible with those of the MILF.
“The political participation of the MILF in the 2022 elections through the [United Bangsamoro Justice Party] ushers a new brand of principled politics among which is our incoming president, Leni Robredo,” said Murad.
