Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim virtually endorsed presidential candidate Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso when he described him as “our incoming president” during a courtesy call on Monday.
“Greetings to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, our incoming president, welcome to the Bangsamoro government,” Ebrahim said.
Ebrahim, who is also the chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), said he is looking forward to working with Domagoso as BARMM faces the challenging task of sustaining the momentum of the peace process in Mindanao.
He underscored the need to continue the programs and reforms uplifting the plight of the Bangsamoro people, especially during the extended transition period, to honor the sacrifices and services of the Bangsamoro people who went through so much pain and suffering in their struggle for justice.
Last October 28, President Rodrigo Duterte enacted Republic Act 11593 which reset the first election in the BARMM to May 2025, effectively extending the Bangsamoro transition period from June 30, 2022 to June 30, 2025.
“It is a challenging task because we ourselves are transforming from a revolutionary government bureaucracy,” Ebrahim said.
Besides the many challenges of operating a ministerial parliamentary government under a presidential unitary system, he said a more challenging task ahead is the period of “normalization.”
“As you can see, there is much more to be done, because this transition is not only for the government, but also there is another track which is more challenging, which is the normalization track,” Ebrahim said.
Under the “normalization period,” MILF combatants will be decommissioned along with their weapons. Recognized MILF camps will also be transformed into productive economic zones.
“So, on behalf of our government, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, we welcome you Sir, and your party, here at BARRM, and we look forward to working with you,” Ebrahim said.
Domagoso said he was very grateful for Ebrahim’s show of support and confidence in his candidacy.
“We have really committed to continuity. So, all I have to do is copy President Duterte. We will just continue what we have already started,” the presidential aspirant said.