ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Bangsamoro Government on Monday assured a smooth transition following the appointment of Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Abdulraof Macacua as the new interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), succeeding Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim.

In a statement released Monday, the Bangsamoro Government assured the public that the change in leadership will not disrupt the delivery of services and programs, reaffirming its commitment to good governance and the region’s smooth transition.

“We assure the people of a smooth leadership change, one that will not disrupt the operations of the Bangsamoro Government, nor hinder our commitment to continued delivery of services and programs,” the statement read.

Macacua is the current Maguindanao del Norte provincial governor, and  chief of staff of Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) and secretary general of United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).

Macacua, one of the senior leaders of Moro Islamic Liberation Front, is a resident of Sitio Wawa, Barangay Tuka, Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao and married to Guianima Balang Macacua and blessed with seven children, four boys and three girls.

Macacua’s appointment came as BARMM approaches its first parliamentary elections in October 2025, marking a critical phase in the region’s transition towards a fully elected government.

 Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro  confirmed Macacua’s appointment on Sunday  but declined to  provide  further details regarding the decision.

 As BARMM nears the final phase of its transition period, the government urges the Bangsamoro people to remain united in upholding moral governance, justice and peace for a brighter future.

“As we approach the final stretch of the transition period, we call on everyone to remain united in our collective pursuit of moral governance, justice, peace, and a brighter future in the Bangsamoro,” the Bangsamoro Government stated.