MILF suspends BARMM Interim Minister Macacua as its military chief

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee has implemented the indefinite suspension of Bangsamoro Interim Chief Abdulraof Macacua from his position as chief of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

Based on the resolution, the MILF leadership claimed Macacua violated BIAF General Order No. 1 by making declarations and decisions “inconsistent with the political line and collective decisions of the MILF leadership.”

“The Central Committee cited clear acts of defiance and insubordination against the MILF Central Committee,” the MILF resolution said.

The former rebel group said that disciplinary action stemmed from a series of political maneuvers beginning in early 2025. 

The resolution stated  that the Philippine government replaced long-time MILF Chairman Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim with Macacua as BARMM Interim Chief Minister without consultation from the Central Committee. This sparked severe friction after Macacua allegedly sidelined nominee lists legally mandated by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). 

Instead of appointing 41 core MILF nominees to regional positions, Macacua allegedly unilaterally selected his own allies and systematically removed MILF loyalists from key BARMM posts despite direct orders to halt the purge.

“Please be reminded that as Interim Chief Minister, this decision is not solely yours to make…. You have the duty to consult the MILF on major decisions affecting the affairs of the BARMM,” the MILF said statement said.

The group added that  such decisions must be preceded by mandatory consultation with the MILF as lead in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and pursuant to Article XVI Section 2 of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

“As interim Chief Minister, you have the duty to consult the MILF on major decisions affecting the affairs of the BARMM especially on policy directions and appointments,” the resolution added. 

The MILF Central Committee said that Macacua’s acts include conduct, decisions, and declarations deemed inconsistent with the political line and collective decisions of the MILF leadership, and that chose to act in a manner inconsistent with the obligations, loyalty, and principles required of a BIAF chief.

Ebrahim, as BIAF-MILF commander-in-chief, will assume the position of BIAF chief until a replacement is found.

The Central Committee has called  upon all commanders, officers, members, and supporters of the MILF and the BIAF to respect and uphold the resolution, maintain unity and discipline, and continue performing their respective duties in accordance with the directives of the leadership. 

Macacua responds

Macacua cited what be believed to be the reasons for his suspension.

“This is due to two issues. First, my unilateral decision to run as an independent candidate in the third parliamentary district of Maguindanao. Second, I did not follow the request of our Chairman not to remove Brother Iqbal as Minister of the MBHTE (Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education),” he said. 

He explained that his reason to run in the 3rd District of Maguindanao del Norte as an independent candidate is to “remain fair.”

“The election is still far off, and my leadership for all of Bangsamoro as Chief Minister must remain fair, I am avoiding being biased toward other Bangsamoro people who are scattered across different political parties,” he explained,

Macacua also flatly denied rumors that he had already accepted official party backing. “As for what they are saying that a CONA (Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance) has already been issued, I just want to be clear that I have not received anything of the sort. So, Allah is my witness,” he said, adding that he intends to provide a more exhaustive explanation on the matter in the near future.

“There is happiness and there is sadness. For my part, I am among those who are happy because, somehow, our responsibilities have been reduced. In truth, it is very difficult to simultaneously serve as the Chief Minister of the government and the Chief of Staff of a military organization,” Macacua added.

Macacua’s camp said the suspension came after his leadership vowed to ramp up institutional reforms, target unfinished infrastructure projects, and root out systemic corruption within the regional government.

“Let us continue the fight against manipulation and nepotism, especially against the graft and corruption that was started by our dear Chairman Murad. Let us go after the people who do not finish their projects, whether it is housing, roads, or other projects. If we need to file cases, let us file cases,” he said. – Rappler.com