BARMM chief to new execs: Work for a ‘better Bangsamoro’
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua on Monday rallied elected officials in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur to serve their constituents beyond the confines of public offices, ensuring faith and accountability as core hallmarks of leadership.
“True leadership is not about power; it is about trust, responsibility, and fearing Allah more than we fear losing our positions,” Macacua told officials who won in last month’s local elections under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), during their oathtaking at Bangsamoro Government Center here.
“It’s the heart, the sacrifice, and how well you still listen to your people when the applause fades and the real work begins,” he added.
Macacua stressed that while the oathtaking was ceremonial, it was also a celebration of a renewed commitment to a shared dream, that is, “a better Bangsamoro region.”
“It symbolizes unity amid the diversity of the Bangsamoro people. We are one BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and the BARMM must act like one family,” he told the officials led by Governors-elect Datu Tucao Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte and Datu Ali Midtimbang of Maguindanao del Sur.
The UBJP, in partnership with the administration Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, swept the provincial contests in both provinces, trouncing the well-entrenched “Family Alliance” organized by former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director General Suharto Mangudadatu.
The political feat achieved by the UBJP comes amid kinks in the relations among its key officials owing to the revamp of the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
The MILF had complained that its nominees for BTA seats were not fully honored by President Marcos. The tension had apparently lingered until today.
“Yes, sometimes we argue like a family but we fight together when peace, justice and progress are at stake,” Macacua said.
“Let’s not waste what we fought for. And if anyone here forgets that the people come first, remember this: the people put you in office, and they can put you back on your slippers just as quickly,” he said.
