Basilan leaders join Bangsamoro Federalist Party

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Hundreds of community leaders in Basilan joined the newly established Bangsamoro Federalist Party during a symbolic rite over the weekend in Lamitan City.

Tomanda Antok, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliament member, officiated the oathtaking of the barangay officials, town councilors and the Yakan, Tausug and Sama tribal leaders.

The group is one of 16 regional political parties the Commission on Elections had allowed to participate in the first BARMM parliamentary election on Sept. 14.

Lamitan Mayor Roderick Furigay, along with 10 of 11 Basilan town mayors, had pledged political loyalty to the Federalist Party during a caucus in Zamboanga City a week before.

They were joined by leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, including parliament member Dan Asnawie.

“We are grateful to the local executives in Basilan and the community leaders in the province for the cordiality extended to our delegates from Cotabato City and nearby areas in Central Mindanao who participated in our party’s activity in Lamitan City,” parliament member Naguib Sinarimbo said.

Sinarimbo chairs the Cotabato chapter of the party.