The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) has reaffirmed that the leadership transition in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) fully complies with existing agreements and legal frameworks.
“The change of leadership in the BARMM adheres to both the letter and spirit of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” OPAPRU chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. stated in a news release on Monday.
On Sunday, Galvez hosted an iftar (fast-breaking meal during Ramadan) at the OPAPRU office in Cotabato City, gathering 19 base commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Discussions during the event centered on the leadership transition in BARMM and the continued implementation of the Normalization Program, as outlined in the CAB.
Galvez emphasized that the Bangsamoro peace process has reached a critical milestone as the region prepares for its first-ever parliamentary elections in seven months.
He underscored that the upcoming election marks the full realization of the Political Track under the Bangsamoro peace agreement, empowering the Bangsamoro people to elect their own leaders.
Following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in 2019—which serves as the legal foundation of the CAB—the current members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) have been appointed by the President. Originally set for a three-year term, the BTA’s tenure has been extended twice to ensure a smooth transition.
On March 3, former BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim tendered his resignation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to focus on the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 13. In response, Marcos appointed long-time Moro leader and Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua as the new Interim Chief Minister. Macacua took his oath before the President on March 12.
On the same day, MILF base commanders expressed their gratitude to Ebrahim and pledged their support to Macacua, who also serves as the Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.
By Saturday, the newly appointed members of the BTA had officially taken their oath before Macacua. Despite the transition, the 80-member BTA remains MILF-led, ensuring adherence to the Bangsamoro peace agreement.
Macacua, in his inaugural message, called on the new parliament members to serve with integrity and dedication.
“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,” he declared.