TOP officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) have thrown their full support behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s intensified campaign against corruption, hailing his recent moves to depoliticize infrastructure investigations as “crucial” to restoring public trust.
In an emailed unified public statement, the region’s leadership — comprising the Chief Minister and provincial governors — declared they stand “firmly behind” the President as he confronts systemic graft, which they described as one of the country’s most persistent challenges.
The Barmm leaders specifically lauded the President’s “clarity and decisiveness” in recent directives. They cited the creation of an Independent Commission for Infrastructure, a move intended to shield investigations into anomalous projects from political interference.
‘Accountability not negotiable’
The officials highlighted the President’s order to freeze the assets of individuals implicated in fraudulent flood-control schemes, calling it a signal that accountability “is not negotiable.”
They backed the President’s controversial decision to cancel all flood-control allocations for 2026. The leaders viewed this drastic measure as a necessary step to prevent further abuse and recover public funds lost to corruption.
“These firm, deliberate, and measurable actions represent governance anchored on substance rather than spectacle,” the joint statement reads in part.
The officials emphasized that the crackdown is vital for protecting communities and ensuring justice is based on “strong, irrefutable evidence.”
United front
The manifesto underscored that honest governance is the bedrock of peace and development in the Bangsamoro region.
The declaration was signed by Barmm Chief Minister Abdulraof ‘Sammy Gambar’ Macacua, Basilan Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal ‘Bombit’ Adiong, Maguindanao del Norte Governor Datu Tucao Mastura, Maguindanao del Sur Governor Datu Ali Midtimbang, and Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael ‘Mang’ Sali.
The leaders called for national unity, stressing that public service must remain “sacred” and that the battle against corruption requires collective resolve.
