THE MORO Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee rejected President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appointment of Abdullah Macacua as the interim chief minister the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), replacing Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim.
In an official statement following a consultative assembly, the MILF Central Committee asserted that the appointment violated the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), both of which stipulate that the transition period should be MILF-led.
The resolution also pointed out that of the 41 names they endorsed for the BTA, only 35 were appointed by Marcos Jr., raising concerns about the government’s true intentions.
Macacua took his oath before President Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace just a day before the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte. His first task was to administer the oath of 77 new Members of Parliament, on March 15, 2025.
“The oath you take today symbolizes more than a mere affirmation of duties. It signifies your unwavering dedication to uphold the aspirations and rights of the Bangsamoro people,” Macacua said as reported in the Bangsamoro website.
His appointment fueled speculations about a broader strategy by the Marcos administration to secure control over the 2025 Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which is allegedly being eyed as a financial resource for President Marcos Jr.’s senatorial lineup.
The controversy deepened after a statement from the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF)-MILF appeared to support Macacua’s appointment. However, the MILF Central Committee quickly clarified that this was not the official stance of the organization and reaffirmed their opposition to the move.
Despite the ongoing dispute, the MILF Central Committee remains firm in its call for adherence to the peace agreements and reaffirmed Al Haj Murad Ebrahim’s leadership as the Chairman of the MILF and Chief of the BIAF.
