In a significant political shift, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has lost its representation in the governance of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This development follows the conclusion of the inaugural election for the BARMM's Parliament, held on September 30, 2026, where candidates from both factions of the MNLF, led by founding chairman Nur Misuari and mainland-based leader Muslimin Sema, failed to secure any seats.
The MNLF fielded candidates under two parties: the Mahardika Party and the Bangsamoro Party (BaPa). Despite presenting a full slate of candidates for the 40 party-list positions and several for the 32 district seats, both parties finished without representation in the 80-member parliamentary assembly of BARMM.
Notable figures who vied for parliamentary positions included Albdulkarim Misuari and Nurredha Misuari—children of founding chairman Nur Misuari—alongside Omar Sema, son of the faction leader. Other runners included Hatimil Hassan, a former chairman of the MNLF Council of 15, as well as Faizal Karon and Romeo Sema. Previously, these individuals were part of the interim BARMM government, serving as appointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
The failure of the MNLF candidates to gain seats signifies a lack of representation for the group within the regular Parliament, which convened for its first session on October 30, 2026. During this session, Abdulraof "Sammy Gambar" Macacua was elected as the BARMM's first regular chief minister, succeeding the interim leadership.
In the formation of the new Cabinet, Macacua announced the appointments of lawyers Kitem Kadatuan Jr. and Daizal Padate to lead the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) and the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism (MTIT), respectively. These new appointments come as replacements for outgoing MNLF officials Muslimin Sema and Farserina Mohammad, who held significant roles in the previous administration.
The MNLF's prior inclusion in governmental roles stemmed from agreements established in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) alongside provisions in the BARMM Charter, or RA 11054. These arrangements were intended to ensure the representation of various groups, including the MNLF, within the autonomous political framework.
In light of the MNLF’s electoral defeat, sources indicate that discussions are underway to consider remedial measures to uphold the "inclusivity" stipulations outlined in both the CAB and the BARMM Charter. Such measures would aim to reestablish a balanced representation within the region's governance, reflecting the diverse interests and historical contexts of the area's various stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the recent elections mean for the MNLF's role in BARMM?
The MNLF has lost all representation in the BARMM's regular governance following a complete failure to secure seats in the recent elections.
Who were the prominent MNLF candidates in the BARMM elections?
Prominent candidates included Albdulkarim Misuari, Nurredha Misuari, Omar Sema, and Hatimil Hassan.
What positions did the new BARMM chief minister fill in his Cabinet?
New BARMM chief minister Abdulraof Macacua appointed Kitem Kadatuan Jr. and Daizal Padate to lead the Ministries of Labor and Employment and Trade, Investment and Tourism, respectively.
Reporting by Mc Esplanada for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.