The Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Monday reiterated the alignment of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) leadership change in Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
“The change of leadership in the BARMM adheres to both the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez said.
Galvez on Sunday hosted an Iftar (Ramadan breakfast) for 19 base commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The gathering provided a platform to discuss the transition of leadership in BARMM and the progress of the Normalization Program, which is part of the CAB.
According to OPPARU, former BARMM Interim Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim resigned on March 3, 2025 to focus on the upcoming first parliamentary elections in BARMM, scheduled for October 13, 2025.
In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Maguinadanao del Norte Gov. Abdulraof Macacua, who was also the Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), as the new Interim Chief Minister. He was sworn in on March 12.
On the same day, according to OPPARU, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) base commanders expressed gratitude to Murad for his leadership and sacrifices, which they said laid a strong foundation for the Bangsamoro.
They also pledged support for Macacua, describing him as a leader aligned with their struggles and aspirations. The commanders vowed to uphold their duties with unity, discipline, and faith in Allah, committed to the betterment of their people and homeland despite potential challenges ahead.
Galvez noted that the upcoming parliamentary elections mark a significant milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process, fulfilling the political track of the CAB.
Following the ratification of the BOL in 2019, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has been composed of presidential appointees. The parliamentary elections, initially delayed twice, will allow the Bangsamoro people to elect their leaders.
Galvez reiterated the Marcos administration and the MILF’s commitment to the CAB, which will mark its 11th anniversary on March 27. He called for unity to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future for the Bangsamoro.
In a statement attributed to its central committee on Sunday, however, the MILF questioned the appointment of Macacua as the new Interim Chief Minister of BARMM. The MILF claims the appointment violates the BOL and the CAB.
The group also raised concerns about the exclusion of six out of 41 endorsed nominees from the BTA, which governs BARMM during the transition period until the October 2025 parliamentary elections.
Macacua, who replaced former interim chief minister Ebrahim, inducted new BTA members on March 15 and urged them to serve with integrity.