BARMM execs told to resign

MANILA, Philippines — All regional and deputy ministers as well as heads of offices of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have been ordered to submit courtesy resignations by June 30.

BARMM Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua issued the order on Monday “in light of serious and grave complaints” and to improve delivery of service during the critical phase of the transition period of the Bangsamoro region.

The officials may continue to discharge their duties until Macacua decides on the resignations.

Officials who refuse or fail to comply with the order before the deadline are deemed resigned.

Macacua earlier said some peace advocacy groups and religious organizations have complained about the alleged mismanagement of three to five BARMM ministries.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned about the possible impact of the resignation of appointed BARMM officials on the ongoing preparations for the October parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro region.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said a change in leadership always affects any preparations.

“Let us see how quick they can find replacements or if the officials will be retained,” Garcia said in reaction to Macacua’s order. “We will also check with our personnel on the ground how this can affect our preparations for the Oct. 13 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.”

He said there is a need to clarify the matter to avoid confusion on the part of Comelec officials, who must coordinate with BARMM officials for the poll preparations.

Garcia said preparations for the BARMM parliamentary elections would continue despite the recent development.

The Comelec, he said, must finish the source code, trusted build, source code review and mock elections by next month.