Marcos appoints Macacua interim BARMM chief minister

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. appointed Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua as the interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), replacing Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, who will now focus on preparing for parliamentary elections.

Local executives have expressed support for Mr. Macacua's appointment with Basilan Gov. Hadjiman H. Salliman and Mayor Rhoderick Furigay of Lamitan City in Basilan both stating their commitment to supporting the new chief minister’s initiatives.

The transition includes a reshuffle in BARMM leadership, and some skeptics have expressed concerns over potential impacts on MILF unity during this change.

Despite allegations of misuse of funds within the P6.4-billion Local Government Support Fund, Pendatun denied any relation between these claims and the leadership changes in BARMM.

Influential leaders such as Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. have urged Mr. Macacua to adhere to moral governance principles, emphasizing transparency and accountability for the benefit of all constituents.