Marcos appoints Macacua as new BARMM interim chief

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua as the new interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), replacing Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed Macacua’s appointment but did not provide further details.

Before his appointment, Macacua served as BARMM's Minister for Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy until 2019. He was later designated as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) governor of Maguindanao del Norte before officially assuming the governorship on April 28, 2023.

In a separate statement, Presidential Peace Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Carlito Galvez welcomed the leadership transition in BARMM.

“This transition comes at a crucial time as the Bangsamoro region prepares for a significant milestone—its first parliamentary elections in October this year,” Galvez said.

He also expressed gratitude to Ebrahim for his leadership during the transition period.

"I wholeheartedly express my gratitude to Chair Ebrahim for his leadership and vision, particularly in fostering meaningful autonomy for the Bangsamoro people and advancing the peace process in the region.

For the continuity and success of the Bangsamoro peace agreement, we place our trust in Interim Chief Minister Macacua as he takes the helm of governance, especially with the first parliamentary elections just seven months away," Galvez said.

"We call on the Bangsamoro people to support the new leadership and continue the trek on the path of peace in the Bangsamoro region. Together, we must build upon the gains of the peace process," he added.

President Marcos earlier signed Republic Act 12123, rescheduling the first BARMM elections from May 12 to October 13.