Verjiv Rajan Abdurahman's appointment as acting commander of the MILF's 114th Base Command in Basilan and the subsequent loyalty check highlight growing political divisions ahead of the Bangsamoro elections; pictured with a group of supporters during his May 2026 filing as a UBJP parliamentary candidate for Lamitan City and Basilan's 1st District. Source: Ronda del Basilian Facebook

The MILF in Basilan has begun a loyalty check among members following leadership changes within the organization's 114th Base Command, highlighting growing political divisions inside the movement that once presented a united front in the struggle for Bangsamoro self-governance.

The move follows the replacement of Hadji Dan Laksaw Asnawie as commander of the 114th Base Command. According to the MILF, Asnawie was among several commanders placed on indefinite leave after joining a political party other than the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political arm of the organization.

Verjiv Rajan Abdurahman, who was appointed officer-in-charge commander of the 114th Base Command, said the MILF Central Committee wanted leaders who remained loyal to the organization's direction as the election season approaches. The leadership change comes at a time when political competition is becoming increasingly visible across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where multiple parties are preparing to contest seats in the region's first parliamentary elections on September 14.

Election Politics Reach Former Revolutionary Structures

The developments in Basilan reflect a broader transformation taking place across the Bangsamoro region. Former revolutionary leaders who once operated under a single political and military structure are now navigating an increasingly competitive democratic environment. Political affiliations are becoming more diverse, and some leaders are choosing different electoral paths.

Abdurahman said several senior officers followed Asnawie into the Bangsamoro Federalist Party, including deputy commanders and unit leaders. Despite these departures, he expressed confidence that the majority of the approximately 7,000 members under the 114th Base Command remain loyal to the MILF leadership.

"Despite the disagreement, both sides have emphasized their commitment to peace and have rejected suggestions that the dispute could lead to armed confrontation."

The loyalty check, which began on May 29, was designed to assess support within the command and inform members about recent organizational changes. For his part, Asnawie questioned the legality of the appointment and said he had not received formal notification that he was no longer the commander. He also maintained that many members of the command remain supportive of his leadership.

Despite the disagreement, both sides have emphasized their commitment to peace and have rejected suggestions that the dispute could lead to armed confrontation.

The Macacua Factor and a Wider Political Realignment

The developments in Basilan are unfolding against the backdrop of wider tensions within the MILF leadership. Recent attention has focused on BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who was suspended from his position as chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces. The dispute has raised broader questions about leadership, accountability, and internal unity within the movement.

"Political observers have noted that the combination of leadership disputes, shifting party loyalties, and competing electoral strategies reflects the growing pains of a region transitioning from armed struggle to parliamentary politics."

Political observers have noted that the combination of leadership disputes, shifting party loyalties, and competing electoral strategies reflects the growing pains of a region transitioning from armed struggle to parliamentary politics. At the same time, public officials and community leaders have stressed the importance of maintaining stability during the election period. The Office of the Presidential Assistant for Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity has urged stakeholders to remain calm and use legal and formal channels to address disagreements.

Support for Macacua also remains visible among several political groups and local officials across BARMM, suggesting that political loyalties are becoming more complex than traditional organizational affiliations alone.

A Crucial Test for the Future of Bangsamoro Governance

The loyalty check in Basilan may appear to be an internal organizational matter, but its significance extends beyond a single province. The first parliamentary elections will serve as a major test of how the Bangsamoro political system functions in practice. The ability of former revolutionary organizations to manage internal disagreements through democratic processes rather than confrontation will be closely watched across the region.

"Political observers have noted that the combination of leadership disputes, shifting party loyalties, and competing electoral strategies reflects the growing pains of a region transitioning from armed struggle to parliamentary politics."

For provinces such as Sulu, where questions of political representation, autonomy, and governance continue to shape public debate, developments inside the MILF are likely to attract particular attention. As alliances evolve and new political actors emerge, the outcome of these internal struggles could influence how communities across the Bangsamoro region view leadership, accountability, and the future direction of self-governance.

The transition to democratic politics was always expected to bring new challenges. The events unfolding in Basilan now offer an early glimpse of how those challenges may shape the next chapter of the Bangsamoro story.

REFERENCES

MindaNews. (2026, June 7). MILF initiates loyalty check in Basilan following change in leadership. MindaNews. https://mindanews.com

Know Sulu. (2026, June 8). Macacua suspension puts Bangsamoro unity under the spotlight ahead of historic elections. Know Sulu. https://www.know-sulu.ph

Philstar. (2026, June 7). Regional residents unfazed by BARMM chief's ouster from MILF. Philstar. https://www.philstar.com