Cotabato City – Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has vehemently denied allegations of Palace interference in the recent elections, specifically refuting claims that Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. influenced the outcome in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

 

Macacua, addressing the issue during a Friday night press briefing, directly responded to comments made by Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu who accused Lagdameo of “political maneuvering” in Mindanao.  

Mangudadatu, whose parents, Bai Mariam and Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, lost their gubernatorial bids in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, respectively, described Lagdameo as his "best friend."

 

Macacua said, “I wish to point clearly and sincerely on this matter, not to provoke but to clarify. The claim that SAP Lagdameo ordered the restriction of voters in our province is untrue. There is no evidence that such an instruction was given, and I’ve seen nothing in his behavior to indicate any attempt to influence our democratic process.”

 

The Chief Minister instead attributed the increased police presence in Datu Odin Sinsuat to local requests for maintaining peace and security during the elections, stating that community members themselves requested police officers serve on the Electoral Boards due to rising tensions and fears of potential violence.  He emphasized the goal was to ensure a safe voting environment for all citizens.

 

Macacua further praised Lagdameo's respectful approach to Bangsamoro autonomy, stating, “He (Lagdameo) has remained respectful of Bangsamoro’s autonomy throughout this process. He has shown genuine regard for our leadership and the path we are taking, always choosing to support rather than interfere.”

 

Governor Mangudadatu, in a separate interview, attributed the underperformance of the administration-backed alliances in Mindanao to internal conflicts, particularly between Lakas-CMD and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, hindering the delivery of government programs. He called for a leadership reassessment and a closer alignment between national and local political agendas to realize the goals of the Bagong Pilipinas movement.  The conflicting narratives highlight ongoing tensions within the political landscape of the region.