DAVAO CITY – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has questioned the recent appointment of new members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) at the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao as it violates the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
EBRAHIM and Macacua (BARMM-BIO photo)
In an editorial posted on the MILF official news website, luwaran.com, the group raised questions on the recent move of Malacañang after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Abdulraof Macacua as the new interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro government succeeding Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim.
BARMM spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun confirmed on March 10 that Macacua is the new interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro government.
Macacua assumed the post from Ebrahim along with the appointment new BTA members whose papers were signed by Marcos last week.
But for the MILF, some of the BTA appointees were said to be outside of the group’s recommended list.
“President Marcos’ decision to appoint individuals outside the MILF’s official list to the BTA is more than just a political maneuver—it is a potential violation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and a betrayal of the peace process,“ the MILF wrote.
The group emphasized that if the government is serious about fulfilling its commitments, it must honor the agreements that led to the BOL’s passage.”
Under Section 2, Article XVI of BOL or rhe Republic Act No. 11054, it explicitly states that the “Moro Islamic Liberation Front shall lead the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).”
According to the MILF, this provision was designed to recognize the MILF’s role in the peace process and ensure continuity as the region prepares for its first parliamentary elections in 2025.
Thus, they were expecting that the President is expected to appoint from the official list of nominees transmitted by the MILF.
However, according to various sources, some of the newly appointed BTA members were not among those recommended by the MILF.
Ebrahim, popularly known as Al Haj Murad, is the current MILF chair while Macacua is the chief of staff of its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).
“Despite the clear legal provision, Marcos appointed individuals as Chief Minister and Members of Parliament who were not endorsed in the official list submitted by the MILF. This move not only disregards the agreement underpinning the BOL but also weakens the credibility of the MILF’s leadership in the transition,” the MILF wrote on Luwaran.com, which is managed by the group’s Committee on Information chaired by BTA member Mohagher Iqbal.
The MILF pointed out that the President has bypassed their recommendations as he has also stripped the MILF of its rightful role in leading the governance of BARMM as mandated by the BOL.
“This raises serious concerns about the Philippine government’s sincerity to its obligations under the CAB and BOL,” it added.
But Pendatun said that the appointment of Macacua underwent a series of consultations among MILF’s Central Committee.
But for the MILF, the appointment of non-MILF-endorsed individuals, whether they belong to the MILF or not, is more than a technical violation — it is a breach of the trust that underpins the peace process.
This move, according to the group, also risks alienating the MILF’s base.
“Many in the Bangsamoro view the BTA as a transitional government meant to prepare the region for genuine autonomy under the leadership of those who fought for it. By altering the composition of the BTA without MILF consent, the administration risks deepening political divisions and reigniting frustrations among former combatants and their communities.”
Amid these issues, the Bangsamoro government has assured a smooth transition following the appointment of Macacua, saying that the change in leadership will not disrupt the delivery of services and programs, reaffirming its commitment to good governance and the region’s smooth transition.
“We assure the people of a smooth leadership change, one that will not disrupt the operations of the Bangsamoro Government, nor hinder our commitment to continued delivery of services and programs.”