BARMM chief decries petition seeking removal of BTA membersCOTABATO CITY, Philippines — Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua delivered an emotional appeal for unity as he decried what he described as attempts to fracture the region at a critical point in its peace journey. “I am trying to unite the entire Bangsamoro, others want it divided,” Macacua said, referring to a petition filed before the Supreme Court seeking the removal of seven members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, including himself. The petition, filed as a mandamus case with prayers for declaratory relief and other remedies, questions the continued tenure of the seven BTA members and asks the High Court to compel their removal from office. Copies of the filing circulating online show it names Macacua and six other transition parliamentarians as respondents. He acknowledged that the Supreme Court, as the country’s highest tribunal, will ultimately decide on the merits of the petition.

Source: Philippine Star February 16, 2026 02:41 UTC