Mohammad Yacob, Speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament, has been called on to resign amid political tensions, having assumed the role in 2025. Source: BARMM

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is facing growing political strain after the Recover BARMM Movement (RBM) publicly called on Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament Speaker Mohammad Yacob to resign. In a letter circulated to media outlets, the group accused the Bangsamoro government of drifting away from the original vision of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace deal that formally ended decades of conflict between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

RBM argued that Yacob now faces a defining political moment as speaker of the transitional parliament. The group claimed that recent legislative and institutional decisions risk weakening the consultative leadership model that many former MILF members and supporters believe was central to the peace process. The movement also warned that political maneuvering inside BARMM could allow traditional political clans and dynasties to regain influence in the region’s governance structure, arguing that the integrity of the peace agreement is at stake.

The controversy escalated following the removal of senior MILF figure Mohagher Iqbal as education minister amid an ongoing audit investigation into procurement issues within the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education. Iqbal rejected calls for his resignation, while his supporters argued that the dispute reflected broader internal divisions rather than a single administrative issue.

Yacob Rejects Allegations of Political Manipulation

In response, the Office of Parliament Speaker Mohammad Yacob strongly rejected accusations that he was being manipulated or used to push controversial reforms inside the BTA Parliament. In a public statement, Yacob’s office defended the parliamentary process, stressing that legislation inside the Bangsamoro parliament passes through consultations, committee reviews, debates, and majority votes before becoming law.

The statement specifically addressed criticism surrounding changes to electoral rules, parliamentary districting, and the removal of the “None of the Above” option from ballots ahead of the region’s first parliamentary elections in 2026. According to Yacob’s office, portraying the speaker as solely responsible for legislative outcomes undermines the credibility of the entire parliament.

"Instead, Yacob’s office framed its approach as an attempt to preserve unity and institutional stability during a politically sensitive transition period."

The statement also pushed back against claims that restraint or silence should be interpreted as weakness. Instead, Yacob’s office framed its approach as an attempt to preserve unity and institutional stability during a politically sensitive transition period. The office called on stakeholders to avoid divisive accusations and focus instead on protecting peace, democratic governance, and the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.

Internal Divisions Cast Shadow Over BARMM Transition

The growing dispute has exposed deeper political tensions inside the MILF and the Bangsamoro transition government at a critical moment for the region. Thousands of protesters gathered in Cotabato City on May 18 following Iqbal’s removal, warning that recent political developments could weaken the foundations of the peace process. Protesters demanded stronger protection for the CAB and greater consultation within the MILF leadership.

"Questions surrounding accountability, leadership, consultation, and institutional trust are now becoming central political issues ahead of the vote."

For many supporters, the issue goes beyond one cabinet position. Mohagher Iqbal remains one of the most recognizable architects of the Bangsamoro peace negotiations, making his removal politically symbolic for many communities across Mindanao. Analysts and civil society groups warn that visible divisions inside the MILF could complicate BARMM’s transition into a fully elected regional government. The parliamentary elections scheduled for September 2026 are widely viewed as one of the most important milestones since the autonomous region was formally established in 2019.

Questions surrounding accountability, leadership, consultation, and institutional trust are now becoming central political issues ahead of the vote.

Political Stability Remains Closely Watched Across Sulu

Across the southern Philippines, many communities are closely watching whether the institutions created under the Bangsamoro peace agreement can withstand internal political conflict without damaging public confidence.

"That concern carries particular significance in provinces such as Sulu, where the legacy of conflict, displacement, and political rivalries remains deeply tied to perceptions of stability inside BARMM."

That concern carries particular significance in provinces such as Sulu, where the legacy of conflict, displacement, and political rivalries remains deeply tied to perceptions of stability inside BARMM. Political developments involving the MILF leadership are often viewed not only as internal disputes, but also as indicators of whether the peace transition can maintain credibility among local communities.

As election season approaches, the debate surrounding Mohammad Yacob, Mohagher Iqbal, and the direction of the Bangsamoro government is increasingly shaping broader conversations about trust, representation, and the future of regional autonomy in Mindanao.

REFERENCES

Know Sulu. (2026, May 20). Cotabato rally deepens concerns over Bangsamoro peace process and MILF unity. Know Sulu. https://www.know-sulu.ph

Maguindanao News Update. (2026, May 26). Public Statement. Maguindanao News Update. https://www.facebook.com

Manila Bulletin. (2026, May 25). Movement asks BTA Parliament Speaker to quit. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph