Politics · Philippines Bureau
PCID hails Macacua's BARMM leadership, calls for sustained peace
A prominent think tank has praised the election of Abdulraof Macacua as chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, describing it as a crucial step forward for Muslim Mindanao. The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy urged both the MILF and MNLF to maintain momentum in the peace process.
LSN Philippines ·
COTABATO CITY — The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) has welcomed the election of Member of Parliament Abdulraof "Sammy Gambar" Macacua as chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following his selection by the region's first elected Bangsamoro Parliament.
In a statement released Tuesday, the PCID characterized the transition as a significant milestone in efforts to consolidate peace and stability in the autonomous region. The appointment marks a key development in the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which established the BARMM as a successor to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The think tank urged the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to maintain their commitment to the peace process and build on recent gains. Observers view the smooth transition of power as an important test of political maturity for Bangsamoro's institutions.
Macacua's election reflects efforts to establish inclusive governance structures in the BARMM, with the newly constituted Parliament representing various political and armed groups that have agreed to the peace settlement. The PCID's endorsement underscores civil society support for the ongoing political transition in the conflict-affected region.