Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has defended his decision to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, saying the move was intended to ensure fair and impartial governance for all Bangsamoro constituents.
In a statement sent to this paper on June 5, Macacua addressed the decision of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee to indefinitely suspend him from his post as Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).
The suspension was announced on June 4 through a resolution issued by the MILF leadership.
Macacua said his independent candidacy was among the issues cited in the resolution.
He explained that he deliberately chose not to affiliate with any political party while serving as Chief Minister in order to maintain neutrality and effectively engage with all sectors of Bangsamoro society, regardless of political affiliation.
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“Matagal pa ang election. Kailangan patas pa rin ang aking pamumuno sa lahat ng Bangsamoro bilang Chief Minister,” Macacua said.
The Chief Minister said this approach has helped strengthen relations between the Bangsamoro Government, local government units, and various political stakeholders throughout the region.
Supporters of Macacua, meanwhile, said his inclusive leadership style has encouraged greater cooperation among local officials and political groups, including those outside the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political arm of the MILF.
They also said broader political engagement has improved coordination in governance and development initiatives across provinces and municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Macacua also addressed reports regarding a Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA), clarifying that he had not received any such document.
Despite his suspension as BIAF Chief of Staff, Macacua said he respects the decision of the MILF leadership and acknowledged that relinquishing one of his roles could help ease the challenges of simultaneously leading the regional government and a military organization.
“Ako kasama ako sa masaya dahil kahit papaano nabawasan ang ating responsibilidad na sa totoo lang mahirap pagsabayin ang Chief Minister ka ng gobyerno at Chief of Staff ka ng isang military organization,” he said.
Macacua also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and refrain from actions that could deepen divisions within the Bangsamoro.
He emphasized the importance of preserving unity and continuing efforts to advance governance reforms, including measures against corruption, nepotism, and delayed or unimplemented government projects.
The MILF Central Committee approved Resolution No. 01, Series of 2026, on June 3, ordering the indefinite suspension of Macacua as BIAF Chief of Staff and directing all MILF structures and affiliated organizations to implement the resolution.
