Politics · Philippines Bureau
Bangsamoro leader welcomes Marcos' pledge to uphold regional autonomy
The Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister has praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for reaffirming the government's commitment to the autonomous region's self-governance. The statement underscores the administration's support for democratic institutions and political processes in Mindanao's Muslim-majority territory.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua expressed approval Thursday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s public endorsement of autonomy for the Bangsamoro region, describing the position as a significant validation of decades-long peace efforts.
"This principled position powerfully affirms the autonomy rightfully earned through decades of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to peace," Macacua said in a statement following the President's remarks.
The chief minister's welcome comments reflect the regional government's appreciation for continued national support of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), established through the 2019 Bangsamoro Organic Law. The region maintains its own democratically-constituted institutions and legislative framework within the Philippine federal system.
Marcos' affirmation of Bangsamoro autonomy signals the administration's commitment to the peace settlement that created the region and its governing structures, a development that observers view as important for political stability in Mindanao.