COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Efforts to promote political unity in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) gained momentum after the region’s five governors signed a manifesto of support recognizing the leadership of Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua.

Macacua, who has been overseeing BARMM’s ministries and support agencies since his appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in March 2025, continues to lead the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament following the postponement of the region’s first-ever parliamentary elections, originally scheduled for October 13, 2025.

The postponement, due to legal challenges, prompted Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, Tawi-Tawi Governor Ysmael Sali, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr., Maguindanao del Sur Governor Ali Midtimbang, and Maguindanao del Norte Governor Tucao Mastura to express their collective support for Macacua’s extended tenure.

In their joint statement signed on Tuesday, November 4, and released to the media a day later, the governors said:

“We affirm our collective confidence in Chief Minister Macacua’s leadership, a partnership we intend to uphold as we move forward in sustaining the gains of peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.”

The show of unity drew attention from political observers, especially since the five governors belong to different political blocs. Macacua, a senior official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and chief of its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, also represents the MILF’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), which fielded candidates against Hataman and Adiong in the May 2025 local elections.

Skeptics from rival political camps admitted surprise over the rare alliance, noting that leaders representing the Yakan, Sama, Maranao, and Maguindanaon communities have come together to back Macacua’s leadership despite past electoral rivalries.

Regional parliament members Kadil Sinolinding Jr. and Naguib Sinarimbo welcomed the move. They said the gesture complements the Marcos administration’s ongoing peace engagement with both the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

“Our local government units are indispensable partners of the BARMM government in advancing moral governance and inclusive development,” said Sinarimbo.

Sinolinding, who also serves as BARMM’s health minister, added that the manifesto of support counters long-held perceptions that the region’s political divisions fuel underdevelopment and poverty.

Business leaders in the region also hailed the development. Ronald Hallid Torres, chair of the Bangsamoro Business Council, said the governors’ united stance would boost investor confidence in BARMM.

“This sends a strong signal to both local and foreign investors that our region’s leaders are united and that it is safe to invest in the Bangsamoro,” Torres said.

The rare show of unity among BARMM’s top local executives marks a significant step in strengthening the region’s governance and sustaining the peace gains since the establishment of the autonomous government five years ago.

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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