MILF to remain neutral in 2019 polls

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3, 2019): MILF to remain neutral in 2019 polls

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao interim chief minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim (in white polo) in one of his sorties in Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of Bangsamoro Media Group)

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will remain neutral in the 2019 national and local elections but would allow its members to vote according to their conscience.

“The MILF, as an organization, will remain neutral, but will not stop its members from voting,” Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said in a radio interview here Wednesday.

The chief minister explained that the MILF is already a partner of the government but its organizational policy remains.

“Such policy prohibits the organization from issuing statements in support or against a particular candidate in the local and national positions,” he said.

The MILF is also not campaigning for or against any political party but will not prevent its members from joining the elections.

Ebrahim, also the chair of MILF central committee, said the MILF will soon issue guidelines on how to choose leaders and the qualifications they must possess.

The chief minister said the MILF will let its members choose their candidates for national and local positions, adding the organization may only provide guidelines on how to choose the right leaders running for office.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1066361