New interim chief minister? BARMM still silent

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Bangsamoro Transition Authority spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun says he is unaware of the details and still awaiting further information

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The Bangsamoro regional government has kept mum on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s reported appointment of Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua as the region’s new interim chief minister.

Macacua, widely known by his nom de guerre Sammy Gambar, will replace interim Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, who has led the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) since its transition government was established in 2019.

Neither Macacua nor Ebrahim has issued statements regarding the reported leadership change. Bangsamoro Transition Authority spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun said he was unaware of the details and was awaiting further information.

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) reported on Sunday, March 9, that Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed Macacua’s appointment as the region’s second interim chief minister.

Macacua is one of the most trusted men in Murad’s circle, and served as BARMM senior minister before he was named by Marcos Jr. as officer-in-charge slash governor of Maguindanao del Norte. He also led the MILF’s armed wing at the height of the Front’s struggle for Moro self-determination.

But a member of the interim BARMM parliament, Dan Sala Asnawie, congratulated Macacua, saying his new role was an “opportunity to further advance the vision of peace, progress, and prosperity for the entire BARMM.”

Asnawie, also the head of the MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces’ 114th Base Command, said Macacua has the “ability to unite diverse voices and harness collective strengths,” needed in addressing challenges and seizing new opportunities for the Bangsamoro.

Basilan Governor Jim Salliman also congratulated Macacua, expressing full support for his administration.

“His leadership now carries the weight of a vision long fought for – a Bangsamoro that is strong, self-sustaining, and united,” Salliman said.

Macacua’s reported appointment came following the national government’s decision to move BARMM’s first parliamentary elections from May to October. The regular local elections, however, would be held as scheduled in the region this May simultaneously with the mid-term polls.

In 2024, Macacua has filed his certificate of candidacy for the 3rd parliamentary district of Maguindanao del Norte, while Murad is the top nominee for a BARMM parliament seat of the MILF’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party. If they win, both will serve in the regional parliament and qualify to be elected as chief minister. – Rappler.com