The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has temporarily paused key aspects of its engagement with the national government until a “full-fledged chairman” is appointed to the Government Peace Implementing Panel. MILF Chairman Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim said their panel cannot negotiate with a “headless counterpart.”
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) announced on March 12 that it is pausing key engagements with the national government due to the lack of a “full-fledged chairman” for the Government Peace Implementing Panel. Chairman Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim stated, “The MILF Peace Implementing Panel cannot negotiate and engage with a headless counterpart,” adding that the absence has created a “gaping hole” in implementing the peace agreement. Retired general Cesar Yano recently resigned as chair of the panel. This comes amid delays in Bangsamoro's first parliamentary election due to legal and administrative challenges; Congress has passed bills rescheduling it to September 2026. Ebrahim emphasized that the stance upholds a “fundamental procedural requirement” in the peace architecture, demanding jointness, bilateral actions, and mutuality. The MILF noted that the peace panels should remain central to decision-making, even as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President have taken more visible roles. Despite the halt in bilateral mechanisms, the MILF continues involvement with local, national, and international peace process friends on non-bilateral issues. The Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, signed on March 27, 2014, is approaching its 12th year.