Pagadian City, Philippines – The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) convened a pivotal leadership meeting today, August 10, 2025, in Pagadian City, to address critical issues affecting the Bangsamoro people, particularly the exclusion of Sulu province from the core autonomy of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The meeting also laid the groundwork for the upcoming 1st Parliamentary Election of 2025.
Opening Remarks and Historical Context
The event commenced with an invocation, followed by a warm welcome address and rationale by MP Uttoh Salem D. Cutan, Secretary General of the MNLF. Muslimin G. Sema, Chairman of the MNLF, delivered an impassioned opening statement, reflecting on the MNLF’s decades-long struggle for self-determination.
Chairman Sema recounted the MNLF’s journey—from the 1976 Tripoli Agreement to the Jeddah Accord and the landmark 1996 Final Peace Agreement. He highlighted the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the subsequent establishment of the BARMM and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) as milestones in the peace process. However, he expressed deep disappointment over the recent Supreme Court decision to exclude Sulu from the core autonomy, a move that undermines the Bangsamoro’s right to self-governance.
Key Agenda and Resolutions
1. The Sulu Issue
The MNLF leadership unanimously reaffirmed its non-negotiable position on the reintegration of Sulu into the BARMM. The following points were emphasized:
- Position of the MNLF: The exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM is a betrayal of the peace agreements and a violation of the Bangsamoro people’s right to autonomy. The MNLF stands firm in its demand for Sulu’s return to its original status within the BARMM framework.
- Open Forum and Recommendations: Leaders and members engaged in a robust discussion, proposing legal and political avenues to challenge the Supreme Court’s decision.
- Actions to be Taken: The MNLF will mobilize its committees to strengthen advocacy efforts, engage with national and international stakeholders, and explore all peaceful means to rectify the injustice.
- Strengthening of Committees: The MNLF resolved to revitalize its organizational structure to ensure a unified and effective response to the Sulu issue.
2. 1st Parliamentary Election 2025
The meeting also focused on the upcoming parliamentary elections, with Deputy Speaker Atty. Omar Yasser C. Sema leading the discussions. Key highlights included:
- Orientation: A comprehensive briefing on the electoral process, its significance, and the MNLF’s role in ensuring fair and inclusive participation.
- Open Forum and Discussion: Leaders deliberated on strategies to maximize the Bangsamoro’s political representation and safeguard their interests in the new parliamentary system.
- Strategies and Actions: The MNLF will launch a voter education campaign, forge alliances with like-minded groups, and field candidates who embody the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Chairman Sema concluded the meeting by urging unity and resilience among MNLF members and the broader Bangsamoro community. He called on the Philippine government to honor its commitments under the peace agreements and rectify the exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM.
The MNLF remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice, autonomy, and meaningful political participation for the Bangsamoro people.
For media inquiries, please contact:
[MNLF Media Office Contact Information]
About the MNLF:
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is a revolutionary organization founded in 1971 to advocate for the rights and self-determination of the Bangsamoro people in the Philippines. Through decades of struggle and peace negotiations, the MNLF has played a pivotal role in shaping the Bangsamoro’s political landscape.
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