Kidapawan Bishop lauds peaceful Bangsamoro transition

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COTABATO CITY — A prominent Mindanao Catholic bishop has commended the peaceful and democratic transition of power in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), hailing it as a historic milestone in the region's long-standing peace process.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue (CBCP-ECID), welcomed the emergence of Abdulraof Macacua as the region's new leader following a pivotal parliamentary vote in a statement released.

Macacua secured 51 votes against 27 garnered by former Chief Minister Ahod "Al Haj Murad" Ebrahim during the inaugural session of the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament. The transition formally marks the conclusion of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) seven-year interim administration and ushers in the region's first regular parliamentary government.

Bagaforo praised the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership—specifically outgoing Chairman Ahod Ebrahim and Vice Chairman Mohagher Iqbal—for overseeing a smooth, orderly handover of power.

“On behalf of the CBCP-ECID, we express our support and solidarity with the new government and Parliament of the Bangsamoro,” Bagaforo stated. “The Church will continue to walk alongside our Muslim brothers and sisters, indigenous peoples, and all communities in the region in advancing dialogue, friendship, and the shared pursuit of a just and lasting peace.”

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who addressed the inaugural session, echoed these sentiments, describing the establishment of the elected parliament as a critical evolution from armed struggle to democratic governance.

“Your success is the success of the entire nation. We will never leave you behind,” Marcos assured the regional government, pledging the national administration's unyielding support for Bangsamoro autonomy.

In his inaugural address, Macacua emphasized that the complex challenges ahead demand unity and cross-institutional cooperation rather than partisan division.

“Public office is not a reward for political loyalty. It is a responsibility that demands competence, integrity, and dedication to the people,” he said.

Crucially, Macacua paid tribute to his predecessor, addressing former Ebrahim directly and committing to preserve the cornerstone of the previous administration.

“The Moral Governance agenda you have started and steadfastly championed will remain at the very heart of my leadership... I consider it both a personal commitment and a moral responsibility to carry it forward, no matter what,” he said.

Macacua reminded lawmakers and constituents alike that the decades-long struggle for autonomy was fought not merely to change leadership faces, but to tangibly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

“Let this new chapter be remembered not for who gained power or who relinquished it, but for how we collectively used the opportunity of self-governance to bring lasting and meaningful change to our people,” he said.

With the political contest concluded, the new BARMM administration now faces the monumental task of translating legislative milestones into inclusive economic opportunities, responsive public services, and enduring peace for every Bangsamoro family. — BM, GMA News

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