COTABATO CITY, Philippines โ In a move signaling continuity and stability, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua has retained three key ministers tasked with overseeing vital sectors that align with the regionโs peacebuilding and development goals.
Macacua, who assumed leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) last March, announced on Wednesday, April 23, that he had reappointed Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr. as minister of health, Paisalin Tago as minister of transportation and communications, and Muslimin Sema as minister of labor and employment.
Transition in Leadership
Ahod โMuradโ Ebrahim, BARMMโs first chief minister and a key figure in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), orginally appointed the three officials. Macacua replaced Ebrahim following his appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Both Ebrahim and Macacua are ranking MILF officials. Their transition in leadership is part of the ongoing evolution of the regionโs governance structure, shaped by the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro โ a landmark peace deal that led to the creation of BARMM in 2019, replacing the old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Sema, chair of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), represents another historic pillar of the Moro struggle. His reappointment reflects the continuing partnership between the MNLF and MILF in governing the autonomous region, particularly in implementing programs that complement the national governmentโs peace efforts in Mindanao.
Effort Sustain Progress
Their reappointment could be seen as an effort to sustain progress.ย These leaders have institutional memory and grassroots ties โ critical for development that truly serves communities.
Sinolinding, an ophthalmologist by profession, brings with him extensive experience, having served as ARMMโs health secretary for five years. Tago, meanwhile, previously held the speakership of ARMMโs now-defunct 21-member Regional Legislative Assembly. Both men now serve concurrently as members of the 80-seat Bangsamoro Parliament, through presidential appointments.
Macacua also confirmed the reappointment of Andrew Alonto as director of the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO), the regionโs main link to media across Mindanao.
Observers see these reappointments as a strategic balancing act โ maintaining continuity, honoring long-standing political alliances, and ensuring that BARMMโs transformative governance wonโt lose momentum as it heads toward its first regular elections in 2025.
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