DAVAO CITY – The Moro Islamic Liberation Front expressed disappointment over the recent change of leadership in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), more particularly on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as the new interim chief minister along with other new members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
THE MILF consultative assembly in in Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. (MILF)
In a statement released after the MILF’s consultative assembly, the group said that the appointment of Macacua and new BTA members bypassed their recommendations as only 35 out of the 41 recommendees were officially designated by the President.
“Clearly, this non-conformity with the list of nominees is an act which can be categorized as meddling into the internal affairs of MILF and directly erodes the principle of autonomy enunciated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL),” the group emphasized.
This deviation undermines Section 2, Article XVI of the BOL, which provides that "the Moro Islamic Liberation Front shall lead the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, without prejudice to the participation of the Moro National Liberation Front in its membership."
It also emphasized that the move was a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro, particularly on the Annex on Transitional Arrangements II.B.2., which provides that the BTA shall be MILF-led.
“With only 35 MILF nominees appointed, the MILF's leadership in the BTA hangs in the balance, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the transition period and the commitment of the parties to the peace agreement,” the MILF said.
“It is for the best interest of all that the leadership of the MILF is consulted and its decision be respected on matters of paramount importance to the Bangsamoro.”
The MILF also pointed out that despite the assertion of the MILF Central Committee to retain the then sitting interim chief minister, the national government unilaterally decided to appoint Macacua.
“While the attendees recognized the President's discretion in appointing the ICM, the stakeholders hold the view that such decision should have taken into careful consideration the position of the MILF,” they lamented.
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).
The former interim chief minister is also the recognized commander-in-chief of the BIAF.
Amid the growing frustrations among its members following the assembly, the MILF emphasized that it is important for the Bangsamoro people to remain united.
“Further, everyone was reminded to reject any attempt to sow division and pit a brother against another. Now more than ever, we must work together to protect the integrity of the peace process and the future of the Bangsamoro,” added the MILF, which held the assembly in its main headquarters in Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Amid this development, six BIAF front commanders and 33 base commanders have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment and confidence in the leadership of Ebrahim.
In a message of support, they and officials of the general headquarters of BIAF reiterated their full support to the leadership of the MILF.
“As a leader of the Bangsamoro people, his leadership is internationally recognized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and World Muslim League (WML). His selflessness, moral uprightness, integrity, dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in advancing the interests and aspirations of not only the MILF organization but of the entire Bangsamoro constituency,” the BIAF commanders said in a statement.
Earlier, 12 BIAF base commanders expressed support to Macacua while they also acknowledged the efforts and sacrifices of Ebrahim when he led the BARMM since its inception in 2019.
“He is a leader who has walked alongside with 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,” the 12 BIAF base commanders said.