Bangsamoro elects its first chief minister: former rebel Abdulraof Macacua takes office
The parliament of the Philippines' autonomous Muslim-majority region chose Abdulraof Macacua as its first elected chief minister on October 30. Who he is, the vote figures and what it means — verified facts only.
The parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) — the Philippines' autonomous Muslim-majority region — elected Abdulraof Macacua as the region's first elected chief minister in Cotabato City on October 30. It is a historic first: previously the region's leader was appointed, not elected.
Who is he?
Macacua, 69, was once a senior leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and chief of staff of its armed wing. In March 2025 President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. appointed him the region's interim chief minister.
The vote
Macacua secured 51 votes from the 79 members present. His rival, former chief minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim (Al Haj Murad Ebrahim), received 27 votes, with one abstention. Macacua took his oath before Wālī Sheikh Muslim Guiamaden.
Today marks another step in our long journey toward genuine self-governance.
— Abdulraof Macacua, Chief Minister of Bangsamoro
What it means
The vote ended seven years of transition rule under the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. It was the first regular election for the Bangsamoro Parliament, and President Marcos attended the inaugural session. Macacua was elected to a five-year term running to June 30, 2031. By seats, the Bangsamoro Federalist Party took 31 and the United Bangsamoro Justice Party 30.
Context
BARMM, on the southern island of Mindanao, is the country's only autonomous Muslim-majority region. It was created under a peace agreement between the government and the MILF after decades of armed conflict.
