COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 10 March) – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remains “united” despite the replacement of Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim by Abdulraof Macacua as Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), a top official said Monday morning. BARMM spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun stated that Sunday’s confirmation of the reshuffling in BARMM leadership occurred as top MILF leaders, including Ebrahim and Macacua, were holding a meeting at Camp Darapanan, the front’s headquarters in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. Ebrahim, who chairs the MILF, served as Interim Chief Minister since BARMM’s establishment in 2019. Macacua, chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces and former OIC Maguindanao del Norte governor, previously held roles as Minister of Environment and Natural Resources and Senior Minister under Ebrahim. In an interview with DXMS Radyo Bida, Pendatun described the meeting as a strategic session to discuss the way forward, concluding positively with unanimous agreement. He noted that Ebrahim’s removal allows him to focus on the MILF’s electoral preparations for the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections in October. Pendatun emphasized that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) remains MILF-led, with Ebrahim still at the helm. Macacua’s appointment, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 3 and confirmed on March 9, is expected to involve a reorganization of the BARMM Cabinet in consultation with MILF leadership. Pendatun assured that the leadership change is unrelated to the alleged misuse of P6.4 billion in Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which prompted a congressional inquiry. Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong congratulated Macacua and stressed the importance of transparent fund management. Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. of OPAPRU welcomed the transition, highlighting its significance as BARMM prepares for its first parliamentary elections. Minister of Trade, Investments, and Tourism Abuamri Taddik expressed confidence in Macacua’s leadership and acknowledged Ebrahim’s contributions to the Bangsamoro cause. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)
