Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali "Bruce" Matabalao has officially resigned from the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), just three months before the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections scheduled for September 14.
The UBJP is affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a group that transitioned to a political party following a peace agreement with the Philippine government in 2014.
A Thoughtful Departure
Today, with a grateful heart, I am formally resigning as a member of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party.
Mohammad Ali Matabalao, Mayor of Cotabato City
In his resignation letter, Matabalao expressed that the decision was not made lightly and resulted from extensive prayer and reflection, including during his recent Hajj pilgrimage.
He acknowledged the significance of his departure, stating, "How do you explain saying goodbye to a home that once opened its doors to you?" Yet, he maintained a respectful tone, wishing UBJP well.
- UBJP is fielding candidates across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
- This is the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections since the region's establishment in 2019.
As of now, Matabalao has not announced his future political affiliation, leaving speculation about whether he will align with another party or run as an independent candidate.
The UBJP, which was accredited by the Commission on Elections earlier this year, is gearing up for a significant electoral contest.