WestMinCom backs Macacua appointment as BARMM chief

The appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as the new interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will guide the region to progress, military troops in Mindanao said.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said Macacua’s leadership will usher BARMM “towards a brighter future, upholding the principles of peace, unity, and progress.”

“As the BARMM prepares for its first parliamentary election, we recognize the significant progress made in the Bangsamoro peace process. The transition of leadership and the ongoing implementation of the Normalization Program are crucial steps toward achieving the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people,” WestMinCom said.

In a separate statement, the Philippine Army the 6th Infantry Division (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central said it will remain in coordination with concerned agencies to ensure the transition of Macaua’s leadership and the upcoming parliamentary elections.

“This transition marks a significant milestone in the Bangsamoro's political and peace journey, and we stand in solidarity with the new leadership as it guides the region toward greater stability, progress, and moral governance,” Kampilan said.

The Bangsamoro polls were moved to October 13, 2025 after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed into law a measure postponing the parliamentary elections.

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

In response, Malacañang called on the MILF to give the new leadership of BARMM under Macacua a chance.

Marcos earlier said that Macaua’s appointment is crucial in continuing the progress in BARMM. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News