MILF airs concern over BARMM leadership change

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has expressed concern over the change in the leadership and membership of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), including the appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as the new interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The MILF central committee issued the statement over the weekend after holding a consultative assembly where they discussed the recent leadership change and its “dire impact” on the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The committee pointed out that only 35 out of the 41 names formally endorsed by the MILF were appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., undermining Section 2, Article XVI of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

The law provides that the MILF “shall lead the [BTA], without prejudice to the participation of the Moro National Liberation Front in its membership.”

The committee also cited a violation of the CAB, particularly on the Annex of Transitional Arrangements II.B.2., which states that the BTA shall be MILF-led.

“Guided by the Consultative Assembly’s inputs and recommendations, the MILF Central Committee learned the agony, growing frustrations, and concerns of the attendees over the recent Presidential appointments in the BTA, which failed to adhere strictly to the officially endorsed list of 41 nominees submitted by the MILF,” the statement read.

“Clearly, this nonconformity with the list of nominees is an act which can be categorized as meddling into the internal affairs of MILF and directly erodes the principle of autonomy enunciated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” it added.

With only 35 MILF nominees appointed, the committee said that the MILF’s leadership in the BTA “hangs in the balance, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the transition period and the commitment of the parties to the peace agreement.”

To recall, Malacañang confirmed the appointment of Macacua—who also served as Maguindanao del Norte OIC governor—on March 9. Marcos administered his oath of office on March 13.

The President himself had underscored that the appointment of Macacua as the new BARMM interim chief minister was crucial in continuing the progress in the region.

“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,” Marcos said earlier.

On March 15, the newly appointed BTA Parliament members took their oath of office before Macacua, who called on them to serve with integrity and advance the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.

But the MILF stressed that “it is for the best interest of all” that their leadership be consulted and their decision respected on important matters to the Bangsamoro.

“It does not help that the National Government unilaterally decided to appoint a new interim Chief Minister (ICM) despite the repeated sentiments of the MILF Central Committee, issued through various resolutions, to retain the then-sitting ICM,” the committee said.

“Having learned the legitimate sentiments and valid observations expressed by the attendees and various stakeholders in the said Consultative Assembly, the MILF Central Committee emphasized that it is important for the Bangsamoro people to remain united. Further, everyone was reminded to reject any attempt to sow division and pit a brother against another,” it added. —Giselle Ombay/AOL, GMA Integrated News