The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is questioning the appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) stating that the decision was made despite previous resolutions supporting the retention of MILF leader Ebrahim Murad.
The MILF through its Central Committee relayed this message in an official statement, detailing its concerns over recent leadership changes within the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
They noted growing frustrations among stakeholders regarding presidential appointments to the BTA.
The MILF said only 35 out of the 41 nominees it endorsed were appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., raising concerns about adherence to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
“With only 35 nominees appointed, the MILF’s leadership hangs in the balance, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the transition period and the commitment of the parties to the peace agreement,” the statement read.
The MILF said these developments could impact the autonomy of the Bangsamoro government and the transition process.
“It is for the best interest of all that the leadership of the MILF is consulted and its decisions be respected on matters of paramount importance to the Bangsamoro,” the committee said.
Meanwhile, lawyer Michael Mastura, a Moro constitutionalist allayed fears that the President might have violated the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in issuing new appointments to the BTA.
Mastura, a former member of the MILF negotiating panel, said the issue fell “within reason and rule of law as well as the prerogative of Presidential General Supervision acceded to in BOL, not necessarily with CAB” (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro).
He said the listing on replacements with the new appointees could be a product of the usual “assessment of performance evaluation of those who already served…”
As this developed, Malacañang defended Mr. Marcos’s appointment of Macacua as the autonomous region’s interim chief minister, urging the MILF leadership to give the new appointee a chance.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that the president has the prerogative to select the interim chief minister, despite concerns from the MILF Central Committee, which claims the move violates the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
“Those who attended the MILF Consultative Assembly have acknowledged that the president has the authority to appoint the interim chief minister,” Castro said.
“For now, we hope the MILF leadership will allow the newly appointed chief minister to lead. If his leadership proves unsatisfactory, we can revisit the matter in the interest of Bangsamoro’s development,” she added.
Macacua succeeds Ahod Ebrahim, the MILF chairman who has led the BARMM since its establishment in 2019.
Earlier, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. confirmed the resignation of the MILF chairman as chief minister of the BARMM.
In the resignation letter released to reporters by Galvez’s office, Murad explained that his decision to resign was prompted by his intention to focus on the upcoming BARMM elections.
“With the sincere objective of focusing on, and preparing for, October 15, 2025 BARMM First Parliamentary Elections, I humbly signify my intent to resign as interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority effective from acceptance hereof,” Murad said in the letter to Mr. Marcos.
“I shall leave this office full of wisdom and with integrity intact, as I am confident that I have laid sufficient foundation for the regular Bangsamoro Government to thrive for the years to come, in shaa Allah,” he also wrote.
Macacua’s appointment comes seven months before the region’s first parliamentary elections, scheduled for October 2025.
Asked whether the dispute could jeopardize the peace agreement between the government and the MILF, Castro dismissed such concerns.
“There are ongoing discussions in good faith,” she said.
“Since the president has the authority to make the appointment, let’s give it time. If issues arise, the president will take immediate action,” she added.