BARMM Chief Names New Head for Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs
COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity in peace efforts. Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua appointed Guiamal “Teng Campong” Abdulrahman as the new Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. This move highlights the region’s goal to promote genuine inclusion in the peace process.
Macacua accepted the courtesy resignation of Melanio Ulama before naming Abdulrahman to lead the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA). The Chief Minister expressed confidence in Abdulrahman’s ability to protect the rights and welfare of Indigenous Peoples (IPs). “Sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno, I am confident that MIPA will continue to uphold the values of moral governance, preserve our rich cultural heritage, and promote genuine inclusion in the peace process,” Macacua said.
Championing Indigenous Rights in BARMM
Under Abdulrahman’s leadership, the ministry is expected to strengthen its efforts to ensure that no one is left behind as BARMM moves forward. Macacua emphasized, “As we journey towards a stronger Bangsamoro, no one will be left behind — especially our brothers and sisters who are (non-Moro) IPs.”
Before this appointment, Abdulrahman served as the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Maguindanao del Norte. He hails from South Upi and is recognized in the Teduray-Lambangian tribe as Timuay Teng Campong. His family has deep roots in the Bangsamoro struggle; his father, Sheikh Ibrahim Abdulrahman (also known as Abukhalil Yahyah), worked closely with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front founding chair Salamat Hashim.
Leadership Changes in BARMM Ministries
Melanio Ulama’s resignation marks the second senior official departure accepted by Macacua, following the earlier resignation of Minister of the Interior Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba. Macacua clarified that Dumama-Alba’s resignation was to lighten her workload, as she managed several critical legislative tasks.
The recent leadership changes underscore the BARMM administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and ensure that peace and development initiatives are inclusive, particularly for Indigenous Peoples.
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