In a significant political move, Abdulraof Macacua, the Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), has dismissed Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal amid allegations of financial irregularities involving ₱2.2 billion. The decision, communicated in a letter on May 11, demanded Iqbal's resignation by May 18, or he would be considered resigned. Iqbal, a prominent figure in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and vice chair of its central committee, refused to step down, citing concerns that resignation would imply guilt regarding the allegations. In response, Macacua convened the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) management committee and announced he would take over leadership of the ministry to maintain educational services. This dismissal has ignited a power struggle within the BARMM government, particularly as the region prepares for long-awaited parliamentary elections on September 14. Ebrahim, the MILF chair, criticized Macacua for not consulting the MILF before making such a significant decision, highlighting the need for collaboration in governance. Macacua has stated that the leadership change is about reform and moral governance, despite potential repercussions for his position within the MILF.