MILF-linked party accredited for BARMM elections

MANILA, Philippines —  The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has accredited the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) as a regional  parliamentary political party in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In a resolution promulgated yesterday, the Comelec granted UBJP’s petition for registration, allowing it to participate in the BARMM elections in September.

The petition, filed on April 7 before the Bangsamoro Registration and Accreditation Committee, was earlier recommended for approval after being found compliant with the Bangsamoro Electoral Code.

Oppositions to the petition were filed, raising concerns over the party’s alleged links to armed groups, supposed foreign funding, and misrepresentations in its filing.

The Comelec dismissed the objection, citing lack of sufficient evidence.

On allegations that UBJP is linked to an armed group through the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the poll body ruled that “shared leadership or membership does not constitute conclusive proof of identity between two entities.”

The Comelec said there was no proof showing the UBJP has control over any armed organization.

It said there was no merit to allegations of foreign financial support as no competent evidence such as wire transfers or receipts was presented to substantiate the claims.

The Comelec said the UBJP met the requirements for registration including minimum membership, presence of chapters in most BARMM municipalities and compliance with gender representation standards.