New BARMM chief Macacua assumes office

Newly-installed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua officially assumed office Thursday.

In a press statement, Macacua vowed to maintain close coordination with MILF leaders to ensure peace, stability, and governance in the region.

He added his administration would uphold the principles of inclusive leadership by actively engaging key MILF figures, including former chief minister  Ebrahim, in major decision-making processes.

“Whatever decision we make, (former) Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim is involved […] Everything will only be conducted through the consensus of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee,”  Macacua said.

He also assured the Bangsamoro people that he will focus on delivering essential government programs, particularly in livelihood and social development.

“You can expect that we will do whatever we can, especially developments, such as livelihood programs and other interventions that our Bangsamoro people need,” he added.

Commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front expressed support for their former chief of staff Macacua.

In a joint statement, 12 BIAF commanders said Macacua “understands the sacrifices and aspirations of our people.”

“We also would like to express our full support and confidence in the leadership of our Chief of Staff in the BIAF and the incoming interim Chief Minister Honorable Abdulraof 'Sammy Gambar' A. Macacua,” they said.

“He is a leader who has walked alongside with us in our struggle, a brother who understands the sacrifices and aspirations of our people. We believe that under his guidance, the Bangsamoro will continue to move forward with strength, unity, and dignity,” they added.

The BIAF commanders also thanked former BARMM chief Ahod "Al Haj Murad" B. Ebrahim “whose wisdom, leadership, services, and sacrifices have laid the foundation for the Bangsamoro.”

On March 9, Malacañang confirmed the appointment of Macacua as BARMM chief minister.

However, the MILF has expressed concern over the change in the leadership and membership of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) including the appointment of Macacua.

“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 MILF Central Committee said.

“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.

Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, who was instructed by to work with stakeholders for the smooth and peaceful transfer of authority to the new set of BARMM appointees, was optimistic that both MILF and non-MILF communities are supportive of Malacañang’s handling of the autonomous region.

Malacañang on Monday called on the MILF to give chance to the new BARMM leadership under Macacua.

''Sinabi naman po ‘nung mga tao na umatend po doon sa MILF Consultative Assembly na mayroon pong prerogative ang Pangulo na mag-appoint po ng interim Chief Minister,'' Palace Press Office Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro earlier said.

(Those who attended the MILF Consultative Assembly said that it was the prerogative of the President to appoint an interim Chief Minister.)

The commanders of BIAF expressed optimism about the new leadership in the Bangsamoro Government.

“We stand together in this new chapter, ready to uphold our duty with loyalty and dedication. The path ahead may still have challenges, but with unity, discipline, and faith in Allah (SWT), we will continue striving for the betterment of our people and our homeland,” the BIAF commanders said.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News