(Eagle News) — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) formally assumed leadership over the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao after the ceremonial turn-over of functions from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the new Bangsamoro region.
The 80-member BTA is led by interim chief Al Haj Murad Ebrahim took over leadership of the new autonomous region from ARMM governor Mujiv Hataman.
The turn-over ceremonies took place in Cotabato City on Tuesday, February 26, where Murad named the cabinet members for the new Bangsamoro government.
-Proposed cabinet members for BARMM-
MILF peace panel’s Mohagher Iqbal will head the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, MILF Central Committee member Eduard Guerra will head the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management, Bangsamoro Transition Commissioner Raissa Jajurie will head the Ministry of Social Services.
The other members of the cabinet for the BARMM are Melanio Ulama for the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs; Safrullah Dipatuan for the Ministry of Health; Naguib Sinarimbo for the Ministry of Local Government; Abdulraof Macacua for the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy; Mohammad Suwaib Yacob for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform; and Hussien Munoz for the Ministry of Public Order and Safety.
Murad, aside from being the interim chief minister of the BTA, will also be minister of Public Works.
With the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the ARMM, which was established in 1989 through Republic Act No. 6734, was officially abolished.
BARMM will cover the areas in the current ARMM, except Isabela City in Basilan, Cotabato City and 63 North Cotabato barangays which sought to be included in the new autonomous region through a petition.