Change in BARMM leadership will not cause tension -Palace

The leadership transition in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will not lead to any tensions in the region, according to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on Monday.

When asked about potential repercussions following the replacement of Ahod Ebrahim as Interim Chief Minister of BARMM, Castro stated, "Sa kasalukuyan po, wala tayong nakikitang anumang maaaring maging dahilan para magkaroon ng gulo kung magkakaroon man po ng transfer of power sa BARMM."

(At present, we do not see any reason for the transfer of power in BARMM to result in hostilities.)

She further emphasized Ebrahim’s commitment to peace, saying, "Ang katauhan po nitong si Chief Ahod Ebrahim, isa po siya sa mga proponent ng peace process. So, di po natin nakikita sa katauhan po ni Chief Ebrahim na ganoon po ang mangyayari."

(Chief Ahod Ebrahim is among the proponents of the peace process, so we do not see such hostilities arising from his leadership transition.)

Over the weekend, Castro confirmed that Maguindanao del Norte acting Governor Abdulraof Macacua would replace Ebrahim as Interim Chief Minister. The Palace did not provide a specific reason for this change.

In a statement on Monday, the Bangsamoro Government confirmed Macacua's appointment, and thanked Ebrahim for his leadership.

"With this development, outgoing Chief Minister Ebrahim is able to focus on the preparations for the first parliamentary elections this October, both as Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and President of the organization's political party," it said.

"We assure the people of a smooth leadership change, one that will not disrupt the operations of the Bangsamoro Government, nor hinder our commitment to continued delivery of services and programs," it added.

The BARMM government also welcomed the new appointees to the Parliament, named Monday.

In a separate statement, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed confidence in Macacua's leadership, stating that his appointment would further strengthen the foundation established by Ebrahim during the ongoing transition period in BARMM.

"I wholeheartedly express my gratitude to Chair Ebrahim for his leadership and vision, particularly in fostering meaningful autonomy for the Bangsamoro people and advancing the peace process in the region," Galvez said.

He added, "For the continuity and success of the Bangsamoro peace agreement, we place our trust in Interim Chief Minister Macacua as he takes the helm of governance, especially with the first parliamentary elections just seven months away."

Galvez stressed that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos' decision aligns with the current political realities in BARMM, highlighting Macacua’s history of decisive leadership in various roles.

"For years, I have personally witnessed Interim Chief Minister Macacua’s determination and resilience in our numerous collaborations to ensure stability in the region," Galvez said.

He also called on the Bangsamoro people to support the new leadership and remain committed to the peace process.

"Together, we must build upon the gains of the peace process," he concluded. — DVM/BM, GMA Integrated News