BARMM’s majority coalition gains support of governors, Misuari

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — A majority coalition in the Bangsamoro Parliament has secured the backing of all five provincial governors in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Nur Misuari, ahead of the convening of the regional legislature on Oct. 30.

In a joint statement released Friday, BARMM interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and the provincial governors said the majority coalition is already in place, with its formal establishment as the Government of the Day to follow the election of the chief minister.

“Let us be clear. There is already a majority. The formal constitution of the Government of the Day will occur upon the election of the Chief Minister,” the statement read.

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READ: Iqbal welcomes Palace vow not to meddle in BARMM chief selection

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The coalition, composed of 46 members-elect of the Bangsamoro Parliament, said it would respect the parliamentary process and avoid preempting the legislature’s authority to elect its leaders.

The coalition’s leaders also called for unity and restraint ahead of the historic election of the regular parliamentary leadership.

READ: Gov’t keeps hands off BARMM parliament leadership vote

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, member-elect of the parliament, said unity and cooperation among BARMM’s constituent provinces would be essential to effective governance in the region.

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Macacua has also received the endorsement of Misuari in his bid to become the regular chief minister. During a visit to Misuari’s residence in Davao City, the MNLF chair reportedly expressed his support for Macacua.

“BARMM needs good people like you at the helm. You have my support, my full support,” Macacua quoted Misuari as saying.

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Sinarimbo said the coalition could still expand before the October 30 inaugural session, as other elected parliament members are reportedly negotiating to join the majority bloc.

“There are still elected Members of Parliament who are currently negotiating to be part of the coalition government. This is not a claim. This is a fact,” the coalition leaders said.

The coalition brings together representatives of various political parties, provinces, ethnolinguistic groups and revolutionary organizations under a shared vision for the Bangsamoro region. Its members have agreed that the majority bloc will form the Government of the Day.

The coalition also urged Bangsamoro leaders and institutions to respect the mandate of the elected parliament members.

“The people have spoken. Their elected representatives will hold the inaugural session on Oct. 30, 2026, as provided by law. This is how parliamentary democracy works,” the provincial governors said.

The statement came after civil society organizations on Thursday urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to support the formation of a broad-based coalition in BARMM and allow Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Ahod Balawag Ebrahim to reassume the region’s top post.

Malacañang, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, has maintained that it will not interfere in the selection of parliamentary leaders, citing the region’s autonomy.

“We also ask for respect for the autonomy of BARMM. Let the Bangsamoro organize itself, in accordance with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, without fear or pressure,” the governors said.

They added that once the Government of the Day is established, the coalition would work toward uniting the Bangsamoro people and addressing divisions across the region.

The governors described the coalition as broad-based and inclusive, saying it represents the diversity of BARMM’s communities and is committed to serving all constituents, regardless of their political affiliations or voting preferences.

“We will reach out. We will heal divisions. We will build a government that serves all,” the BARMM leaders said.

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The joint statement was signed in Davao City last week by Macacua, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong, Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Ali Midtimbang, Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Tocao Mastura, Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman and Tawi-Tawi Gov. Ishmael Sali. It was made public on Friday, Oct. 23. /cb