BARMM chief vows to keep serving despite MILF suspension

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has pledged to remain focused on governing and serving the Bangsamoro people despite his recent suspension as chairman of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces by the MILF central committee, stressing that his duty to uphold the rule of law outweighs political and organizational challenges.

In a statement released Friday, June 5, Macacua acknowledged the decision of the MILF leadership with respect, drawing from his four decades in the revolutionary movement and emphasizing the importance of institutional discipline.

“For forty years, my life was defined by the struggle. I know what it means to follow orders, and I know the value of institutional discipline,” Macacua said, adding that no position or title could diminish the principles and sacrifices that shaped the Bangsamoro struggle.

The statement comes against the backdrop of the MILF central committee’s decision to suspend Macacua from his position as BIAF chairman, a development widely seen as part of the internal adjustments within the organization following political and administrative controversies in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Without directly addressing the details of his suspension, Macacua shifted the focus to governance, saying that the gains of the peace process require leaders to embrace a different kind of responsibility anchored on public service and accountability.

The BARMM chief minister defended his administration’s actions on the controversy surrounding questioned education funds, saying the matter should be viewed as a legal and governance issue rather than a political dispute.

“When the Commission on Audit raised serious questions regarding two billion pesos in our education funds, it was not a political issue. It was a legal obligation,” Macacua said, stressing that accountability is essential if Bangsamoro institutions are to earn and maintain public trust.

He maintained that protecting public resources and ensuring transparency are necessary steps in strengthening the autonomous government’s institutions and demonstrating that governance must rise above personal and political relationships.

Macacua also sought to reassure the public that the internal developments within the MILF would not disrupt the operations of the BARMM government, saying ministries remain fully functional and public services continue uninterrupted.

The chief minister further emphasized that preparations for the region’s first parliamentary elections are proceeding according to schedule, underscoring the importance of maintaining political stability as the Bangsamoro peace process enters a critical phase of democratic transition.

The MILF’s handling of internal organizational matters and the BARMM government’s commitment to institutional governance are reportedly both being closely watched as the region prepares for the historic parliamentary polls, which form a key component of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro’s political track.

Calling for unity, Macacua urged Bangsamoro communities not to allow political differences to undermine the hard-earned gains of the peace process, saying the people deserve a government that delivers services, respects the law, and protects regional stability.

Despite the challenges surrounding his leadership, Macacua ended his message by reaffirming his commitment to both the Bangsamoro cause and the responsibilities of public office, declaring that he would continue to serve “quietly and faithfully” in accordance with the law and the trust reposed in him by the Bangsamoro people. (Contributed story)