Overwhelming support marks UBJP General Assembly at Camp Darapanan

By PHIL PA-ALAN

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao (Dec. 26, 2014) - Tens of thousands volunteers of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) participated in the First General Assembly of the newly organized political party held at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao from December 23-25, 2014 with the theme: “UBJP: My Party, Your Party, Our Party”.

The 3-day general assembly of the UBJP aimed to discuss the role of the UBJP and present the officers, as well as orient the participating volunteers on the principles adhered to by the UBJP in governance and in the service of God, country and humanity and encourage the volunteers to extend their commitments and support to make the newly organized political party  a viable service political organization.

The UBJP is headed by MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, as President and supported by five (5) vice presidents, namely, Ghadjali Jaafar, VP for Central Mindanao; Alim Ali Solaiman, VP for Northern Mindanao; Mohagher Iqbal, VP for Southern Mindanao; Hussein Munoz, VP for Eastern Mindanao; and Hadji Ma’amur Estino, VP for Western Mindanao, while Sammy Al. Mansoor serves as secretary general of the UBJP.

The first day (Dec. 23) of the general assembly was devoted to registration of the newly arrived delegates from the various parts of Mindanao and palabunibuniyan, while the second day (Dec. 24) included the recital of the verse of the Holy Qur’an by Al-Qari Ust. Zainudin Esmael; welcome address by the Maguindanao Provincial Committee and the Mayor of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; opening remarks by UBJP Secretary General Sammy Al. Mansoor, who introduced the role of the UBJP Volunteers and presented the UBJP officers, while the inspirational message was made by UBJP Vice President for Southern Mindanao  Mohagher Iqbal.

Iqbal said he encouraged all ground commanders to join the UBJP and participate in the electoral process and ensure winning. He added that the interest of the party is to win the majority seats in the Bangsamoro parliamentary assembly to continue the political aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. Iqbal said that the party is open to any interested individuals in adherence to party principles and policies.  

The representatives of the multi-sectoral groups took turns in expressing their unwavearing support to the UBJP.  These sectors include: the Ulama Sector, the Professional Sector, Academe, Traditional, Women, Youth, Business, Agriculture, NGO, CSO, IPs, Non-Muslm, OFWs/UOB, Senior Citizens, Labor Sector and the Transportation Sector. In the afternoon of the second day, the general staff, the front commanders and base commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the  MILF expressed their commitments to support the UBJP.

On the third day (Dec. 25) the participants listened to the recital of the verse of the Holy Qur’an by Al-Qar Ust, Abdulganji Daud; the opening message by Alim Ali Solaiman, vice president for Northern Mindanao, a discussion on Political Party in Islamic Perspective by Abu Huraira Udasan, followed by the message of Hadji Ma’amur Estino, Vice president for Western Mindanao, and  another message by Hussien Munoz, vice president for Eastern Mindanao, then the messages of UBJP Provincial and City Executive Officers.

In the afternoon of the third day, Ust. Moh. Saudi Gandisa made the recital of the verse of the Holy Qur’an, followed by the symbolic application for UBJP membership by all executive officers from the regional, provincial and city levels, then the keynote address of MILF Chairman and UBJP President Al- Haj Murad Ebrahim.  The afternoon program was closed by Ghadjali Jaafer,  vice president for Central Mindanao of the UBJP. The Bay’ah was made by Uz. Abdulkadir Abdullah, ACEO, Maguindanao, UBJP. Tengku Rahib Payapat and Dr. Norodin Salam ably served as masters of ceremonies of the UBJP 3-day program.

The Steering Committee was chaired by Sammy Al. Mansoor; the Finance Committee by Ust. Said Salendab; the Program, Invitation and Ground Preparation Committee  by Mohammad Nasif, Al Haj; Registration Committee by Dr. Taugan S. Kikay; the Decoration and Sound System Committee by Toks Ebrahim; the Reception Committee by Dr. Tomanda Antok; the Security Committee by Gordon Sayfullah Khan; the Sanitation and Medical Service Committee by Hji. Maguid Gentao; the Stocks and Logistics Committee by Jameellah Husain; and the Communication and Transportation Committee by Von Al-Haq.

The site of the general assembly at Camp Darapanan became an instant busy business district with a sizeable number of halal eateries mushrooming the streets and around the assembly site including dry markets selling assorted items such as commemorative T-shirts, malongs, hijab, shoes, and other household materials which the delegates may need while in the assembly areas.  BIAF officers and men provided the security of the participants, guests and visitors in the assembly areas.

The delegates were provided spaces for their lodging needs while discussion tents for male and female participants were erected to facilitate the discussion of issues and concerns regarding the newly organized political party and the people committed to support the UBJP. Participants came from various regions in Mindanao, namely, Northern, Southern, Eastern,  Western  and Central Mindanao.

In his keynote address, MILF Chairman and UBJP President Al-Murad Ebrahim stressed the importance of the UBJP in the life of the Bangsamoro.  He said the party could serve as vehicle to attain the dreams and aspirations of the Bangsamoro who had been neglected by prior governments for generations.  He added that it is  essential that the UBJP as a new political party be embued with enthusiasm and equipped with principles that could usher in an era of unity, peace, progress and prosperity for all Bangsamoro inhabitants.  He continued that it could serve as a vehicle to transport us all to destinations we have crafted for ourselves, despite cultural diversity, whether in the social, economic, and political fields and concerns.  With the support and commitment of the volunteers, the sectoral groups, political party leaders, and the Bangsamoro stakeholders, are our common dreams and aspirations for a better life could be attained. (with reports from Jun Enriquez and Ric Clet)