REGIONAL
Advocates Philippines
BARMM's New Leader: Abdulraof Macacua Steps In As Interim Chief Minister
Photo courtesy from MP Diamila Disimban-Ramos
The leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is shifting gears. Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua has been appointed as the region’s interim chief minister, replacing Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Ahod Balawag “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim.
This major shake-up was confirmed by Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro. “Confirming the appointment as Interim Chief Minister of BARMM,” Castro told PCIJ on Sunday, March 9.
Macacua isn’t new to Bangsamoro politics. He’s the chief of staff of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and previously served in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) from 2019 until 2023 when he was appointed as OIC governor of Maguindanao del Norte. Now, he’s back in the BTA, this time as the region’s top official.
What’s Next for BARMM?
Macacua’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as BARMM prepares for its first-ever elections in October 2025. Until then, he will lead the transition government, ensuring a smooth handover when the region’s elected officials finally take office.
His appointment aligns with a broader plan to refresh BARMM’s leadership, a move hinted at in legislative measures led by Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Republic Act No. 121231 officially reset BARMM’s elections to October 13, 2025, while also allowing the president to replace interim members as needed.
What About Ebrahim?
Ebrahim, the former interim chief minister, remains a key political player. He is a nominee of the MILF’s regional political party, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, and could still play a role in shaping BARMM’s future.
A Political Game Changer?
Macacua has also thrown his hat in the ring for an elected position—he’s running for a district seat in Maguindanao del Norte. His leadership in the transition period could set the tone for the upcoming elections and BARMM’s long-term governance.
With new leadership in place, all eyes are on how this shift will impact BARMM’s future. Will it bring stability or stir up political waves? One thing’s for sure—the road to the 2025 elections just got more interesting.
This major shake-up was confirmed by Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro. “Confirming the appointment as Interim Chief Minister of BARMM,” Castro told PCIJ on Sunday, March 9.
Macacua isn’t new to Bangsamoro politics. He’s the chief of staff of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and previously served in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) from 2019 until 2023 when he was appointed as OIC governor of Maguindanao del Norte. Now, he’s back in the BTA, this time as the region’s top official.
What’s Next for BARMM?
Macacua’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as BARMM prepares for its first-ever elections in October 2025. Until then, he will lead the transition government, ensuring a smooth handover when the region’s elected officials finally take office.
His appointment aligns with a broader plan to refresh BARMM’s leadership, a move hinted at in legislative measures led by Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Republic Act No. 121231 officially reset BARMM’s elections to October 13, 2025, while also allowing the president to replace interim members as needed.
What About Ebrahim?
Ebrahim, the former interim chief minister, remains a key political player. He is a nominee of the MILF’s regional political party, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, and could still play a role in shaping BARMM’s future.
A Political Game Changer?
Macacua has also thrown his hat in the ring for an elected position—he’s running for a district seat in Maguindanao del Norte. His leadership in the transition period could set the tone for the upcoming elections and BARMM’s long-term governance.
With new leadership in place, all eyes are on how this shift will impact BARMM’s future. Will it bring stability or stir up political waves? One thing’s for sure—the road to the 2025 elections just got more interesting.
Mar 9, 2025
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