Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
As Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), I welcome the appointment of long-time Moro leader Abdulraof Macacua as the new Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
This appointment comes at a crucial turning point in the history of BARMM, in anticipation of its upcoming, first-ever parliamentary elections. Hence, it is a testament to the Administration's enduring commitment to ensuring lasting peace and continuous development in the region.
Chief Minister Macacua has a proven track record in leadership as Governor of Maguindanao del Norte. He also served in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. And so we are confident that under his helm, we will build on our gains and make BARMM thrive amid this crucial transition period.
At the same time, I take this opportunity to honor and thank outgoing Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, whose capable stewardship has greatly contributed to the achievement of peace through the establishment of BARMM.
Finally, we welcome the appointment of the new members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, which shall serve as BARMM’s interim government under Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). These include Rashdi Adiong, Haber Asarul, Ahmad Amir Balindong, Zulfikar-ali Bayam, Uttih Salem Cutan, Muhammad Nadzir Ebil, Abrar Hataman, Saripuddin Jikiri, Alirakim Munder, Amer Zaakaria Rakim, and Amenodin Sumagayan from the Government.
From the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), we welcome Tomanda Antok, Abdulbasit Benito, Ma-arouph Candao, Amiroddin Gayak, Ibrahim Ibay, Kitem Kadatuan Jr., the Interim Chief Minister himself, Abdulraof Macacua, and Alindatu Pagayao.
As we move forward to the next chapter for the region, we at the IGRB stand ready to work with Chief Minister Macacua and the BTA Parliament members and continue making BARMM and Mindanao the land of genuine prosperity and fulfilled promises.
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