COTABATO CITY — Representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu has stepped forward to defend the peace legacy of interim Chief Minister “Sammy Gambar” Macacua, urging the public to view his current rift with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) within the context of a lifetime of service.

In an interview, Mangudadatu said Macacua dedicated his entire life to the MILF in pursuit of peace for the Bangsamoro, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict should not overshadow his decades of struggle and leadership.

Macacua served for years within the former rebel group, eventually rising to become chief of staff of its military wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

He transitioned into civilian governance as executive secretary and environment minister before taking the reins as governor of Maguindanao del Norte. He was appointed interim chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in March 2025.

Tensions between Macacua and MILF leadership escalated as the region’s first parliamentary elections approached.

A primary point of contention was Macacua’s decision to run as an independent candidate, which he defended as necessary to preserve his neutrality as chief minister and ensure fairness among all political groups in the region.

Controversy also followed his removal of Mohagher Iqbal as education minister, a move that came in the wake of Commission on Audit findings regarding the use of P2.2 billion in funds from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education.

On 3 September, the MILF Central Committee stripped Macacua of his BIAF chief of staff title, along with more than 40 other commanders and officers.

The military dismissal arrived just days before the 14 September  parliamentary elections, where Macacua is seeking a seat in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Mangudadatu said voters must consider the bigger picture of sacrifices made during the transition from armed resistance to political participation.

Macacua’s commitment to peace remains steady, following an 15 August ambush on his convoy that left him undeterred in fulfilling his duties. He has maintained that the collective voice of the Bangsamoro people, rather than the force of arms, must shape the region's future.

The upcoming vote marks a critical milestone as BARMM shifts from a transitional administration to an elected legislature, leaving voters to decide the next chapter of governance on 14 September.