The Bangsamoro government has formally turned over to the local governments of Datu Salibo and Datu Saudi Ampatuan in Maguindanao del Sur the management and operations of the first Bangsamoro-integrated halal slaughterhouse and meat processing facility in the region.

The facilities, which cost the BARMM, or the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, P7.1 million, were constructed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform.

A P3.8 million Integrated Halal Slaughterhouse was built in Barangay Sambolawan, Datu Salibo, while a P3.3 million Halal Meat Processing and Training Center was built in Barangay Madia, Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

The initiative aims to enhance food security and reduce dependence on imported meats that may not adhere to halal requirements. Halal means food and products permitted for consumption by the laws of Islam.

MAFAR Director General for Agriculture Services Daud Lagasi said the facilities are integral to the ministry's mission of establishing a dependable source of halal-compliant meat.

Datu Salibo Mayor Sulaiman Sandigan said the slaughterhouse will help the local government meet the demand for halal meat in the area.

The facilities are expected to be operational within the next few weeks.