Cotabato City, October 7, 2024 – A significant political milestone was reached during a consensus meeting held on October 6, 2024, at Soto Grande Hotel in Davao City. The event, attended by various political leaders and key figures, marked an unprecedented unity between the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte (MDN) and Maguindanao del Sur (MDS), signaling a new era of collaboration for a progressive and peaceful Philippines.
UBJP Secretary General and Governor of Maguindanao del Norte, Abdulraof A. Macacua, expressed his gratitude towards Allah (SWT) for guiding the process. He highlighted the efforts of the parties involved in reaching a consensus that aims to promote peace, unity, and development in the region. The successful meeting was a result of a careful and strategic plan, spearheaded by UBJP President and Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Honorable Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim.
Several high-profile officials were involved in the discussions, including Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Antonio F. Lagdameo, Jr., President of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) and South Cotabato Governor, Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr., Mindanao Development Authority Chairman, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, and OPAPRU Assistant Secretary Jordan S. Bayam. Their participation reflected strong support from the national government under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
The unity talks also saw the engagement of influential local leaders, including Datu Tucao O. Mastura and Datu Ali Midtimbang, who played pivotal roles in shaping the consensus. The agreement, according to Governor Macacua, debunked earlier speculations that he was causing political instability in the region by following only the directives from Malacañang.
Macacua expressed his sincere thanks to the national government, especially to Chief Minister Ebrahim, for their unwavering efforts in ensuring the success of this historic political collaboration. He also extended his gratitude to the Ulama, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the people of Maguindanao del Norte for their trust and support, acknowledging their call for him to run for governor in 2025.
In a show of solidarity, Governor Macacua endorsed the gubernatorial bids of Datu Tucao O. Mastura for Maguindanao del Norte and Datu Ali Midtimbang for Maguindanao del Sur. Both leaders have been at the forefront of the region’s political landscape and are seen as pivotal figures in continuing the progress achieved in the Bangsamoro region.
Governor Macacua concluded his message by emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving lasting peace and development for the Bangsamoro people. “Let us continue to work together for peace, unity, and progress in our provinces,” he said.
The event is regarded as a crucial step in fostering political stability and progress in the Maguindanao provinces, contributing to the broader goals of the Bangsamoro region and the nation.
