New BARMM chief minister offers reconciliation, vows to serve all

COTABATO CITY — Newly elected Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua on Friday called on all political leaders, including his opponents, to work with his administration in serving the Bangsamoro people.

In his inaugural speech following his election over MP Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and his former political ally, Macacua vowed to continue the moral governance agenda championed by Ebrahim during his tenure as interim chief minister.

“Sir, I want to personally assure you that the moral governance agenda you have started will remain at the very heart of my leadership. I recognize the sacrifices, principles and aspirations upon which this vision was made,” Macacua said, addressing Ebrahim, whom he embraced before the start of the inaugural session. 

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READ: Ex-MILF military chief elected first BARMM Chief Minister

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“We must never forget the history that has brought us to this moment,” he added.

Macacua also assured the Bangsamoro people that he would listen with humility, decide with discernment, act with courage and serve with sincerity.

Macacua, a former chief of staff of the MILF’s armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, said his election was about more than assuming leadership.

“It is about the continuing fulfillment of the promise that the Bangsamoro people shall have the opportunity to determine their own future through institutions that are democratic, accountable and truly representative of their aspirations,” he said.

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Macacua said he would lead everyone, including those who had supported his election and those who had expressed reservations about his leadership.

He vowed that his administration over the next five years would remain open to dialogue, respect constructive criticism and pursue meaningful collaboration across political and institutional lines.

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“I choose reconciliation over resentment, collaboration over confrontation, and the patient work of institution-building over the fleeting satisfaction of political victory,” he said.