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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Movement asks BTA Parliament Speaker to quit

Movement asks BTA Parliament Speaker to quit

Published May 25, 2026 05:13 pm
YACOB
YACOB
DAVAO CITY – The Recover BARMM Movement (RBM) has urged Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament Speaker Mohammad Yacob to resign amid political tensions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In a letter circulated to the media over the weekend, RMB asked Yacob to step down, claiming that the Bangsamoro government is being manipulated and taken away from the original spirit and direction enshrined in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
The group issued the letter, which was addressed to Yacob, following the removal of Mohagher Iqbal as the minister of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) on May 18 amid allegations of fund misuse.
Iqbal’s removal sparked protests in Cotabato City on the same day and mixed reactions among the supporters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
But for the RBM, a grassroots advocacy group, the BTA is now being weaponized to destroy and deconstruct the foundations built by the MILF-led transition during the leadership of former interim Chief Minister Al Hajj Murad Ebrahim. Ebrahim was abruptly replaced by Abdulraof Macacua as interim chief minister in March 2025.
Since then, various controversies have sprouted within the Bangsamoro government as well as in the ongoing implementation of peace agreements.
“At this defining moment, your role as Speaker carries not only parliamentary authority but also moral responsibility. History will remember whether leaders stood firm in defending the integrity of the Bangsamoro transition or remained silent while the principles of collective leadership and organizational unity were gradually weakened,” RBM said in a letter dated May 23.
The group claimed that the BTA is now allegedly being maneuvered to cement policies that would pave the way for the eventual return of the oligarchs, traditional politicians, and political dynasties in the region.
“Clearly as well, the BTA and the BARMM in general are being used to divide and weaken the MILF and that would eventually decapitate the struggle of the Bangsamoro people,” it said.
The RBM also said that recent political and institutional decisions are undermining collective leadership, including changes in parliamentary rules, electoral codes, and leadership positions.
They raised concerns on the removal of the “None of the Above” voting option in the upcoming first parliamentary elections, amendments to party registration rules, redistricting concerns, budget consolidation under the Office of the Chief Minister, and the removal of key MILF officials.
Amid these issues, the group is appealing to Yacob to step down, saying that the Bangsamoro struggle is greater than any individual office.
“What is at stake today is not merely political power but the integrity of the peace agreement, the legitimacy of the transition, and the future of the Bangsamoro people,” RBM said.

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RBM BTA Mohammad Yacob BARMM
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