Bangsamoro netizens slam media over MILF statement on Macacua appointment

By Hasmeyya L. Tiboron
Contributor

COTABATO City ― Bangsamoro netizens are criticizing national and local media for allegedly misrepresenting the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) stance on the appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as Interim Chief Minister.

Abdulraof Macacua was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as the new Interim Chief Minister on March 3, 2025, and took his oath before the President on March 12, 2025, at Malacañan Palace.

Two weeks after the appointment, the MILF Central Committee issued a statement following its Consultative Assembly on March 16, at Camp Darapanan, which was attended by over 500 MILF key officials, political and military leaders, religious sectors, and other Bangsamoro stakeholders.

It stated that the appointment is “meddling into the internal affairs of MILF and directly erodes the principle of autonomy enunciated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law” and violates the Section 2, Article XVI of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, stating “The MILF shall lead the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, without prejudice to the participation of the Moro National Liberation Front in its membership”.

The President only endorsing 35 out of 41 names submitted by the MILF in the BTA also leaves “serious concerns about the integrity of the transition period and the commitment of the parties to the peace agreement.”

Meanwhile, several national and local media outlets reported the released statement with the headline suggesting that the MILF central committee ‘rejects’ or ‘opposed’ Macacua’s appointment.

Online, Bangsamoro netizens strongly criticized these headlines, arguing they misrepresent the MILF’s stance and might provoke division in the community.

“National media picks up MILF statement as a “[r]ejection of the New CM.” No. It is a [r]ejection of the [process] of the [a]ppointment.” Facebook user Abqary Alon said.

“They’re using the old and classic divide and conquer tactic. Support and demand respect for Bangsamoro Autonomy,” Facebook user Mojah Cosain commented.

“Walang pahayag na nagsasaad ng pagtutol kay Macacua bilang indibidwal o sa kanyang kakayahan bilang lider … Ang isyu ay hindi tao kundi ang proseso … Ang pagsasabing tinututulan ng MILF si Macacua bilang ICM ay lumilikha ng impresyon ng personal na hidwaan…,” Facebook page KNALedge said in a comprehensive post.

Bangsamoro netizens emphasized the MILF’s concluding message: “Everyone was reminded to reject any attempt to sow division and pit a brother against another.”