Abdulraof Macacua’s Appointment Marks New Chapter in Bangsamoro’s Transition
COTABATO CITY (March 13, 2025) — The appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as the new Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) signals a significant step in the region’s ongoing transition toward a fully elected government.
As Macacua succeeds Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim on a post of the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO), BARMM said that the Bangsamoro Government assured the public of a seamless transition, reaffirming its dedication to the uninterrupted delivery of services and the implementation of key programs.
“We assure the people of a smooth leadership change, one that will not disrupt the operations of the Bangsamoro Government, nor hinder our commitment to continued delivery of services and programs,” the government said in an official statement released on March 10.
Macacua’s appointment is crucial as BARMM nears its first parliamentary elections on October 13, 2025. These elections will mark the final phase of the region’s transition period under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act No. 11054).
The Bangsamoro Government also took the opportunity to express gratitude to Ebrahim for his leadership since BARMM’s establishment in 2019. Under Ebrahim’s guidance, the region saw transformative reforms, strengthened social programs, and significant economic growth. His tenure was marked by the passage of landmark legislation and the promotion of moral governance.
“Through his guidance, our region has witnessed a transformative journey—where social bonds have strengthened with the implementation of people-centric programs, economic opportunities have flourished contributing to the drastic decrease in poverty incidence, and political foundations have grown ever more steadfast through the passages of landmark legislations and policies,” the statement added.
Macacua, also known as “Sammy Gambar,” has been a key figure in the Bangsamoro peace process and governance. Before his appointment, he served as Senior Minister of BARMM and Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), where he championed environmental and energy policies.
As Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), Macacua played a pivotal role in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) transition from an armed revolutionary group to a political organization. His appointment as Governor of Maguindanao del Norte in 2023 further solidified his influence in regional governance.
With Macacua now leading the way, the Bangsamoro Government has called upon the Bangsamoro people to unify in their quest for peace, justice, and moral governance.
“As we approach the final stretch of the transition period, we call on everyone to remain united in our collective pursuit of moral governance, justice, peace, and a brighter future in the Bangsamoro,” the government said.
As the region moves closer to its historic first parliamentary elections, the Bangsamoro Government remains focused on ensuring a peaceful and orderly transition — one that honors the legacy of its outgoing leaders while paving the way for a stronger, more autonomous future. (USM BSIR OJT Student: Melody A. Bantolo, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
