COTABATO CITY, Oct. 22 -- The Bangsamoro Parliament on Tuesday elected senior Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader Mohammad S. Yacob as its new speaker, replacing Pangalian Balindong, who died Oct. 2.

Member of Parliament Yacob was unanimously elected to lead the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority in a special session presided over by Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.

In his acceptance speech, Yacob vowed to lead the parliament with honesty, neutrality and respect for the rule of law.

"I will uphold the sacred principles of moral governance as both a standard and a shield," said Yacob, who also serves as the Bangsamoro Region's senior minister. "I will serve - not to be served; I will lead - not to rule, but to un...