“This is a symbol of unity,” Ebrahim described their meeting, to which Misuari added, “and solidarity.”

“I will proclaim it for you,” Misuari volunteered. “This is symbol of our unity and solidarity,” said the former professor of Political Science at the University of the Philippines who led the MNLF after the Jabidah Massacre of 1968. 

“It means a lot, it means a lot, so we move,” said Misuari, with Murad adding “together, Inshallah” and Misuari completing the sentence “towards the end, through our unity and solidarity, a solid unity and solidarity that will guide our destiny as a nation.”

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,” the crowd repeatedly said, following Misuari. 

Murad thanked Misuari for his warm welcome. “See you in our inaugural session on September 15,” he said, referring to the inaugural session of the Parliament of the new Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) on September 15 which will be attended by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. 

“I will be there Inshallah, I will be there Inshallah,” Misuari replied. 

MILF-led BTA

Murad leads the BTA as Chief Minister of the 80-member transition body. Among the 80 members are 55 nominated by the MILF and MNLF: 41 from the MILF, seven from the MNLF under Misuari and seven from the MNLF under Muslimin Sema.

Among the 80 are 15 children of Bangsamoro revolutionary leaders, including Misuari’s children Abdulkarim and Nurredha, and children of commanders and peace panel members. Sixteen of the 80 members are women with Nurredha Misuari as the youngest member. She is turning 28 in December.