BARMM leaders sign manifesto backing Marcos amid corruption allegations

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Nov. 22, 2025) — The chief minister of the Bangsamoro region and five provincial governors signed a manifesto Wednesday expressing support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. amid what they described as unfounded corruption controversies surrounding his administration.

The statement was signed by Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua and Governors Mujiv S. Hataman of Basilan, Yshmael I. Sali of Tawi-Tawi, Mamintal A. Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur, Tucao O. Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte, and Ali O. Midtimbang of Maguindanao del Sur.

The leaders said in the manifesto that they do not doubt the president’s commitment to serving the country “with honesty and accountability.” They cited the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure as evidence of Marcos’ efforts to address graft and corruption.

“That firm and deliberate action reflects a leadership focused not on spectacle but on real governance,” the statement said. Copies were circulated to media outlets in Central Mindanao early Thursday.

In a text message to reporters, Macacua said the regional government is grateful to Marcos for prioritizing peacebuilding initiatives intended to uphold the gains of the government’s peace agreements with the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“For that, we are thankful to President Marcos,” Macacua said. He also heads the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.

About The Author

John Unson

John Unson is a veteran Filipino journalist who serves as a staff writer for the regions “Central Mindanao and BARMM” at The Philippine Star. He covers news and events in Mindanao — especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the broader Central Mindanao area. His reporting spans a wide range of topics including security incidents, terrorist-related developments, drug enforcement, smuggling operations, social issues, and regional politics.

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