COTABATO CITY(June 29) — Tributes poured in across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Sunday following the death of veteran Haron Abas, a former revolutionary who helped steer the Moro struggle from armed conflict to self-governance.
Abas, who also served as secretary of the central committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and represented the group in the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament, died of illness at a hospital in Davao City on June 28. He was also known by his nom de guerre, Muhammad Ameen.
For decades, Abas played a key role behind the scenes of the MILF leadership. He served as a close aide to the movement’s founding chairman, Salamat Hashim, and later to his successor, Ahod Ebrahim, who became the first chief minister of the Bangsamoro government following the region’s creation in 2019.
As news of his passing spread, leaders from across the Bangsamoro government and Moro fronts expressed grief and paid tribute to his contribution to the peace process.
Current BARMM Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua extended condolences to the bereaved family.
“We share with their grief,” Macacua said.
Bangsamoro parliament members Kadil Sinolinding Jr. and Naguib Sinarimbo also issued separate statements honoring Abas’ life and service.
“He was a good person. Very cordial to people around him,” said Sinolinding, who also serves as BARMM’s health minister.
Meanwhile, Muslimin Sema said the Moro National Liberation Front would remember Abas as a patriot who helped advance the Moro peace process that ultimately led to the establishment of BARMM.
Family members immediately brought Abas’ remains to his hometown for burial in accordance with Islamic tradition, which calls for the deceased to be laid to rest as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.
Abas leaves behind a legacy that mirrors the Bangsamoro journey itself—from decades of armed struggle to a negotiated peace and a regional government founded on autonomy and self-governance.
