Born in the serene town of Gambar, Maguindanao, Abdulraof Macacua’s early years were steeped in the historical and cultural struggles of the Bangsamoro people. His formative years were marked by witnessing the tumultuous Bight for self-determination, which ignited his dedication to the cause. Macacua’s early exposure to political and social issues fueled his commitment to education as a tool for empowerment.
Minister Macacua’s career began in 1971 when, motivated by a strong sense of duty toward the Bangsamoro people, he entered the military. His involvement in the revolutionary movement was driven by the pursuit of independence for the Bangsamoro, a vision that guided his actions through the years. Through rigorous training in both local and international military settings, CM Abdulraof rose through the ranks of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and eventually became its Chief-of-Staff.As a key member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Negotiating Panel, he played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Bangsamoro. His efforts helped pave the way for key advancements in the peace process and the eventual passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which laid the foundation for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Abdulraof A. Macacua’s life has been dedicated to the Bangsamoro people. Despite the adversity he faced from an early age and throughout his military career, his vision for a free and self-determined Bangsamoro has always been a driving force. Now, in his role as a minister and public servant, he seeks to make a lasting difference by integrating environmental stewardship with his historical commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the Bangsamoro.