Ex-BARMM chief Ebrahim welcomes successor, declines parliament seat

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION. Former Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim (left) and new interim leader Abdulraof Macacua meet in Cotabato City on Monday (March 24, 2025). Ebrahim pledged support for his successor while declining a parliamentary appointment. (Photo courtesy of BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – Former Bangsamoro interim chief minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim officially welcomed new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) leader Abdulraof Macacua on Monday while declining a parliamentary appointment from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Ebrahim, who led the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for five years, expressed full support for Macacua, the former governor of Maguindanao del Norte and military leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) armed wing.

“His leadership and commitment to peace and development are well documented,” Ebrahim said of his successor, appointed by Marcos 22 days earlier.

The outgoing chief confirmed he would remain as MILF chairman and president of its political arm, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, offering guidance to the new administration.

Macacua praised Ebrahim’s legacy of governance and social justice, vowing to build upon his predecessor’s achievements.

Both leaders thanked President Marcos for his support of the peace process.