Marcos: Macacua appointment as BARMM chief crucial for progress, polls

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has underscored that the appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as the new Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is crucial in continuing the progress in the region.

This as Marcos administered the oath of office of Macacua on Wednesday.

"We look forward to ''We look forward to Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua leading the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in building on the progress we've made in BARMM," Marcos said in a social media post.

''His leadership comes at a crucial time as we prepare for the region’s first parliamentary elections—ensuring a smooth transition and a stronger future for the Bangsamoro people,'' he added.

Marcos had signed into law a measure postponing the parliamentary elections in Bangsamoro from May to October 13, 2025.

The leadership transition in BARMM will not lead to any tensions in the region, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro earlier said.

Macacua replaced Ahod Ebrahim as Interim Chief Minister. The Palace did not provide a specific reason for this change.

Meanwhile, Marcos also administered the oath of office of Atty. Antonio Cerilles as Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Concerns.

''Tony has spent decades serving the people—as governor, congressman and DENR Secretary. His experience will be invaluable as we continue working to bring real progress to Mindanao,'' Marcos said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News