Base commanders of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have expressed confidence in the capability of interim chief minister Abdularaof Macacua to lead the Bangsamoto Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
MACACUA (Bangsamoro Government FB)
A joint statement from the 12 base commanders said Macacua is someone they can trust their future with as he was part of the movement for the Moro people's struggle for self-determination.
The signatories were 128th Base Commander Yasser Aboulkadir, 118th Base Commander Wahid Tundok, General Headquarters Base Commander Abdulkudos Balitok, Inner Guard Base Commander Badrudin Ebrahim, 129th Base Commander Nayang Timan, 110th Base Commander Alkarim Mamintal, Field Guard Base Commander Jurdin Kasim, 108th Base Commander H. Bayan Abas, 104th Base Commander Kashmir Mohammad, 109th Base Commander H. Abdillah Pagimanan, 106th Base Commander Abdulaziz Antao, and 105th Base Commander Mohidin Usman.
Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, who has been ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to work with stakeholders for the smooth and peaceful transfer of authority to the new set of BARMM appointees, also expressed confidence that MILF and non-MILF communities are supportive of Malacañang’s handling of the autonomous region.
The BIAF said that Macacua, their former chief of staff, is a leader who understands the struggles of the Moro people and is well-suited to lead in this new era for the Bangsamoro.
“He is a leader who has walked alongside us in our struggle, a brother who understands the sacrifices and aspirations of our people. We believe that under his guidance, the Bangsamoro will continue to move forward with strength, unity, and dignity,” they said.
“We stand together in this new chapter, ready to uphold our duty with loyalty and dedication. The path ahead may still have challenges, but with unity, discipline, and faith in Allah (SWT), we will continue striving for the betterment of our people and our homeland.”
Former Maguindanao del Sur Gov. and congressional candidate Esmael ‘Toto’ Mangudadatu denied rumors of brewing conflict within the MILF. He said that all parties recognize Macacua's leadership.