Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua on Friday, June 5, 2026, said his decision to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections is driven by his desire to serve the Bangsamoro people fairly and without partisan bias.

Macacua made the statement after the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Central Committee cited his decision to run as an independent candidate as one of the issues that prompted the MILF to suspend him indefinitely as chief of staff of its military arm, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

Macacua said he chose not to affiliate with any political party while serving as chief minister to maintain neutrality and engage with all sectors effectively, regardless of political leanings.

"Matagal pa ang election. Kailangan patas pa rin ang aking pamumuno sa lahat ng Bangsamoro bilang Chief Minister," Macacua said. ‎ ‎

Macacua added that this approach has helped strengthen relations between the Bangsamoro government and various local government units and political stakeholders across the region.

Macacua also said the alleged corruption issues surrounding the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), which prompted him to ask Minister Mohagher Iqbal to resign, was also cited in the MILF resolution suspending him as BIAF Chief of Staff.

However, Macacua said he would give a comprehensive explanation regarding the MBHTE issue at the proper time.

The chief minister welcomed and respects the MILF’s decision, saying it would ease the challenge of simultaneously serving two major responsibilities.

‎"Ako kasama ako sa masaya dahil kahit papaano nabawasan ang ating responsibilidad na sa totoo lang mahirap pagsabayin ang Chief Minister ka ng gobyerno at Chief of Staff ka ng isang military organization," Macacua said.

Following the suspension, Macacua urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions or create divisions within the Bangsamoro.

Macacua underscored the importance of preserving unity and continuing governance reforms, including efforts to address corruption, nepotism, and unimplemented government projects.