NEWS




17March

MILF expresses disappointment over BARMM leadership change

Cotabato City - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has expressed disappointment over the recent change of leadership in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as the new interim chief minister.
In a statement following a MILF consultative assembly held in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Sunday, the group stated that the appointment of Macacua and other new members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) bypassed their recommendations, with only 35 out of 41 recommendees being appointed.
 
The MILF emphasized that this non-conformity with their list of nominees constitutes meddling in their internal affairs and directly erodes the principle of autonomy enshrined in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
 
The group asserted that the move violates Section 2, Article XVI of the BOL, which explicitly states that the MILF shall lead the BTA, and undermines the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, specifically Annex on Transitional Arrangements II.B.2., which also stipulates MILF leadership in the BTA.
 
The MILF expressed concern that this deviation from the agreement jeopardizes the integrity of the transition period and casts doubt on the commitment of the parties to the peace agreement.
 
The group also highlighted the decision to appoint Macacua despite the MILF Central Committee's assertion that the then-sitting interim chief minister, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (current MILF chair), should remain in the position.
 
The MILF called for consultations and respect for its decision on matters of paramount importance to the Bangsamoro.
 
Following the assembly, six BIAF front commanders and 33 base commanders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment and confidence in the leadership of Ebrahim.
 
The MILF emphasized the need for unity among the Bangsamoro people, urging them to reject attempts to sow division.