New Leadership for Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs
COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has appointed Guiamal Abdulrahman as the new head of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA). This ministry handles concerns of non-Moro Indigenous Peoples within the expanded autonomous region. The appointment marks a significant moment, as Guiamal is the son of a key figure in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) struggle.
Guiamal Abdulrahman is the son of Sheikh Ibrahim Abdulrahman, also known by his nom de guerre “Abukhalil Yahyah.” Sheikh Ibrahim was one of the founding pioneers who helped establish the Bangsamoro struggle alongside MILF founding chair Salamat Hashim. This legacy underscores the new minister’s deep roots in the fight for self-determination.
Legacy and Leadership in Indigenous Affairs
Guiamal, a member of the Teduray-Lambangian tribe, which is a non-Moro Indigenous group in Bangsamoro, replaces outgoing MIPA Minister Melanio Ulama. Ulama’s courtesy resignation was accepted by Chief Minister Macacua as part of ongoing reforms within the regional government.
Prior to this appointment, Abdulrahman served as the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Maguindanao del Norte. His experience in indigenous representation is expected to guide his leadership in MIPA effectively.
Macacua has instructed Abdulrahman to assume his new role immediately through an official turnover program. Locally, he is recognized as Timuay Guiamal Abdulrakman “Teng” Campong from South Upi, a respected figure in the Teduray Lambangian community.
Context of Recent Political Changes
Melanio Ulama was originally appointed by former BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim in 2019. However, in June of this year, Chief Minister Macacua requested courtesy resignations from all cabinet members to initiate bureaucratic reforms. Of all the resignations submitted, only two were accepted: those of Ulama and Lawyer Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba from the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government.
Macacua also plans to announce decisions regarding other key officials soon, including Public Works Minister Edward Guera and a successor for former Ministry of Transportation and Communication Minister Paisalin Tago. The latter was recently appointed by President Marcos Jr. as president of the Mindanao State University system.
Local Leaders Praise New Appointment
Maguindanao Vice Governor Hisham S. Nando expressed support for Abdulrahman’s appointment. He highlighted it as not only a recognition of Abdulrahman’s capabilities but also a tribute to the enduring legacy of his father, Sheikh Abukhalil Yahyah.
“Your appointment is not only a recognition of your dedication and capacity but also a tribute to the legacy of your late father, Sheikh Abukhalil Yahyah, one of the respected pioneers of the Bangsamoro struggle,” Nando said. He added, “As someone who also walks in the footsteps of a father who served the cause of our people, I share with you the deep responsibility of carrying forward their vision.”
Nando himself descends from a pioneer family, being the son of Sheikh Khalifa U. Nando, who studied with Salamat Hashim before their shared efforts for Bangsamoro self-determination.
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