BANGSAMORO Chief Minister Abdulrauf ‘Sammy Gambar’ Macacua and Murad Ibrahim attended the assumption of office for Maguindanao del Sur's new provincial officials on Tuesday, July 1, signaling continued good faith between the two leaders.

Macacua and Ibrahim participated in the Assumption of Office Ceremony for newly elected Gov. Datu Ali Midtimbang and Vice Gov. Hisham Nando, both from the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).

There has been talk in the Bangsamoro region about potential lingering animosity between Macacua and Ibrahim since Macacua took over the Chief Minister position.

However, Macacua’s presence Monday dispelled those rumors.

GOOD FAITH. Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulrauf Sammy Gambar Macacua (left) and former Chief Minister Murad Ibrahim attend the assumption of office for local officials in Maguindanao del Sur on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Their attendance signals continued good faith. Photos grabbed from Macacua’s Facebook page

In his speech, Macacua said that as Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) and Secretary-General of the UBJP, it’s an honor that their long-fought goal of having local government leaders committed to genuine change, peace and service in the Bangsamoro is becoming a reality.

“I am excited about the new phase of Maguindanao del Sur. Under the leadership of Gov. Midtimbang and Vice Gov. Nando, I believe the coordination between the provincial and regional governments will deepen, towards faster responding to the needs of our countrymen,” Macacua said.

Macacua’s camp maintained that he remains friends with former Barmm Chief Ibrahim, noting Macacua expressed his fulfillment at seeing Ibrahim, saying, “I am happy today.”