The United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), secured significant victories in Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Tawi-Tawi, and Cotabato City during the May 12 elections. However, in Lanao del Sur, the Adiong clan, running under Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas CMD), dominated the top positions. In Basilan, the UBJP lost the gubernatorial race but won the congressional contest. Reelectionist Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and her husband, Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, suffered major defeats, with UBJP’s Datu Ali Midtimbang and Ustadz Hisham Nando emerging victorious in the gubernatorial and vice-gubernatorial races, respectively. Former Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu also won a tight congressional race. In Maguindanao del Norte, UBJP candidates Datu Tucao Mastura and Marshall Sinsuat were proclaimed governor and vice governor. The Mangudadatu couple’s defeat marked a significant setback for their political ambitions. In Tawi-Tawi, UBJP incumbents Gov. Yshmael Sali and Vice Gov. Al-Syed Sali won reelection, while Dimszar Sali secured the congressional seat. In Basilan, incumbent Rep. Mujiv Hataman won the gubernatorial race, but UBJP’s Yusop Alano won the congressional contest. In Lanao del Sur, UBJP candidates lost to Lakas-CMD incumbents, including Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. and Rep. Zia Alonto-Adiong. In Marawi City, Lakas candidate Shariff Zain Gandamra won the mayoral race. In Cotabato City, all UBJP candidates, including reelectionist Mayor Mohammad Bruce Matabalo, emerged victorious. The UBJP also won mayoral races in six of eight towns in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro region. MILF chairperson and UBJP president Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim called for reconciliation, emphasizing the need to protect the peace process and ensure inclusive growth. Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua and Education Minister Datucan “Mohagher Iqbal” Abas congratulated the winners and urged them to govern with humility and justice, highlighting the ongoing struggle to build institutions reflecting the Bangsamoro’s highest principles.
