Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao resigned from the United Bangsamoro Justice Party on June 11, a setback for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's political arm before the Bangsamoro region's first parliamentary elections scheduled for September.
Matabalao announced the decision after a period of prayer and reflection. He informed UBJP president Ahod Balawag “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim in a letter the day before, expressing gratitude for the party's support during his mayoral campaign.
The mayor will serve as vice president of the newly formed Bangsamoro Federalist Party. That group has announced support for the parliamentary bid of BARMM interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua for a district seat in Maguindanao del Norte.
“This decision was never about me,” Matabalao wrote in his letter. “I chose the path that I sincerely believe is best for the future of Cotabato City and our people.”
UBJP was formed by the MILF as it moved into electoral politics under the Bangsamoro peace process. The party currently dominates the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
