Upon our arrival, the boat MV Miling docked directly onto the brown sandy shores of Malabang. We all leapt from the vessel like desperate prisoners in search of water—our supply had run out on the third day of our sea journey. Hunger and thirst plagued us through most of the final day at sea, and the sight of land brought immense relief.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and dusk began to settle, we spotted two six-by-six military trucks waiting at the shore. These had been arranged by officials of the municipal government and by relatives of some members of the Top 90s in Malabang, Lanao del Sur. The drivers were personnel from the Philippine Constabulary and Police, acting under the guidance of then Municipal Mayor Sultan Amer Balindong. We were warmly received with a generous dinner and heartfelt hospitality. The municipal officials, local residents, and supporters of the Bangsamoro Mujahideen welcomed us like long-lost family. Their kindness and support remain etched in our hearts, and we extend our endless gratitude to the local government and the people of Malabang. This town, historically, marked our re-entry into our beloved homeland—Mindanao.

After dinner, we were escorted to a large mosque near the banks of a river in Malabang. There, we spent our first night back in our homeland, finally resting in peace after two long years in a foreign land—away from everything we held dear, all for the cause of liberation and the freedom of the Bangsamoro people.

The following morning, we were awakened by the sounds of a large gathering. People from all walks of life had come to celebrate our return. The atmosphere was festive, as if a long-awaited feast was underway. Everyone was excited and joyous.

Around 9:00 AM, a delegation of Ulama and Islamic scholars arrived—many from the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Libya, and Egypt. They were joined by prominent Moro political leaders: Senator Domocao Alonto, General Salipada Pendatun, and Congressman Rashid Lucman. They came to the mosque to meet with the Top 90s and engage in a crucial dialogue.

The central topic of discussion was the formation of a militant organization to defend the Bangsamoro and their communities from the escalating attacks by the so-called Ilaga—a Christian extremist militia group allegedly supported by government forces, whose aim was to drive the Bangsamoro out of their ancestral lands.

The dialogue was intense and comprehensive. After exchanging views and strategies for prolonged defense, an agreement was reached. A new organization would be established: Ansarul Islam, or Soldiers of Islam. The Top 90s, as foreign-trained cadre officers, would serve as the secret military backbone of the group. Meanwhile, the Ulama and political leaders would act as the external front—the official and legitimate representatives of the movement.

The organization’s mission was clear: to defend the Moro land, the Moro people, and the Islamic faith from persecution, violence, and displacement—whether the threat came from within or outside the country, from groups, organizations, or even armed forces of the Philippine government.

After the day-long meeting, we were formally released from confinement. We then began our discreet return to our respective hometowns, taking great care to travel in secrecy and safety.

Before our final departure, however, we agreed to regroup in a week’s time in Pangalungan and Pikit, North Cotabato. There, we would finalize our plans to protect the Bangsamoro communities from the ever-growing threat of the Ilaga, whose brutal attacks were becoming more frequent—burning homes to ashes and slaughtering Muslims without mercy.