COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 21 July 2026) – Traffic was redirected, face-to-face classes in the entire city and work in the Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC) were suspended, security protocols were in place, food prepared, the red carpet rolled out—everything was set for the arrival of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex for the “National and BARMM Governments Convergence Program” scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Monday. But Marcos was a no-show.
No explanation was given for the cancellation, announced near midnight on Sunday. Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua told MindaNews the Presidential Security Group (PSG) recommended postponement, though the President will now arrive on Wednesday. The venue has been moved from the BGC to the 6th Infantry Division in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
The event, themed “Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas,” combines Macacua’s governance slogan with Marcos’ national agenda. Officials, including BARMM governors, were informed late Sunday of the cancellation, with work suspensions adjusted from a full day to half-day.
Major General Jose Vladimir Cagara of the 6ID reported no security threats linked to the postponement. The rescheduled program will feature aid distribution, housing projects, and service booths at the BGC, while Marcos attends the ceremonial segment at the military camp.
Critics speculate the visit ties to the upcoming BARMM parliamentary elections on September 14, 2026, with campaigning starting July 30. The transition period, extended multiple times since 2019, ends October 30, coinciding with the new officials’ inauguration.
Macacua, appointed interim Chief Minister in 2025, replaced MILF leader Ahod Ebrahim, sparking tensions within the MILF. Running as an independent in Maguindanao del Norte, Macacua’s UBJP status remains unresolved. The elections will see 80 MPs elected, including party and sectoral representatives.
The Comelec has flagged 93 areas in BARMM as election hotspots, with Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Sur listed as high-risk. (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)
