New BARMM leader Macacua takes charge, Ebrahim steps down

Former Bangsamoro interim chief minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim has declined his appointment to the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority but will continue leading the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and its political party.

Ebrahim officially welcomed Abdulraof Macacua as the new leader of the BARMM on Monday, expressing full support for him while praising his leadership and commitment to peace and development.

Macacua, who previously served as governor of Maguindanao del Norte and military leader of MILF's armed wing, thanked Ebrahim for his legacy and vowed to build upon his achievements.

Despite some concerns raised by MILF members about the leadership change, Macacua assured that the Bangsamoro government remains under MILF leadership, a statement echoed by presidential adviser Carlito Galvez Jr.

The BARMM was established in 2019 as part of a peace deal to end decades-long conflicts in predominantly Muslim areas in Mindanao and is preparing for its first parliamentary elections scheduled for October.