However this was uncertain, since the relevant provision which dictates the initial province officials presumes that the plebiscite would be held before the May 2022 national elections but the division vote was postponed after that date.

[6][7] Sinsuat would assumed the position of governor of Maguindanao del Norte nevertheless,[8] which was unrecognized by the Bangsamoro regional government.

[9] On April 5, 2023, President Bongbong Marcos appointed Abdulraof Macacua as the Officer in Charge (OIC) governor of the province.

[10] On April 28, 2023, President Bongbong Marcos reappointed Macacua as the full fledged governor of the Maguindanao del Norte together with other officials of the provincial government.

[12] The Bangsamoro regional government does not recognize Sinsuat's claim.