Party switching reshapes Bangsamoro political landscape

www / Philippine Elections Philippine Elections AHEAD OF SEPT. 14 POLLS Party switching reshapes Bangsamoro political landscape Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:04 AM July 18, 2026 Share: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. COTABATO CITY—Political realignments continue to reshape the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ahead of the Sept.

14 parliamentary elections, with more leaders leaving the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) for the newly formed Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP). The latest defector is Maguindanao del Sur Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who won in the 2025 elections under the UBJP, the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

He formally joined the BFP on Thursday alongside local officials from several Maguindanao del Sur towns. Inclusive BFP Cotabato City chapter head Naguib Sinarimbo said the party welcomes those who support inclusive governance. Article continues after this advertisement According to Mangudadatu, he joined the BFP because it is “development-oriented, service-driven and committed to the welfare of the people,” but clarified, “I am not saying the UBJP is otherwise,” while thanking the party for its support.

FEATURED STORIES WWW Comelec OKs Robredo plea to sync plebiscite with BSKE WWW Dasmariñas mayor files COC for August 29 Cavite district special poll WWW Tarriela to Padilla: WPS transparency is not ‘wartime propaganda’ His transfer followed the defection of Member of Parliament Kelie Antao, who also joined the BFP. BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua later appointed Antao administrator of the Special Geographic Area. Earlier, Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao, Vice Mayor Johair Madag, several city councilors and other local officials from Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi also shifted to the BFP.

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