Alleged misuse of BARMM local gov’t support funds ordered probed

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said it is launching an investigation into alleged irregularities and the misuse of funds intended to support local government operations.

The announcement follows a 27 January privilege speech by Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Ziaur Alonto Adiong, who alleged that individuals claiming to represent the Office of the Chief Minister instructed some 400 barangay officials in Lanao del Sur to withdraw a significant portion of funds deposited into their accounts.

The amounts, ranging from P500,000 to P2.5 million, were allegedly reduced to P200,000 for an unexplained "special operation," Adiong said.

He noted that many barangay officials refused to use the funds because of a lack of clear guidelines.

BARMM spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun said the Office of the Chief Minister is taking the matter seriously, particularly the dragging of Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua's name into the incident.

"We will conduct an investigation on the alleged misuse of funds and identify the individuals who are dragging the Chief Minister in the controversy," Pendatun said in an official statement.

The funds in question may have come from the BARMM’s P6.356 billion Local Government Support Fund, or LGSF, under the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 56. According to the Bangsamoro Budget Circular No. 10, the release of such funds requires a special budget request.

In a separate development, the House of Representatives approved Resolution No. 2199, calling for an inquiry into the alleged abuse of funds.

On 10 June, the House accepted a report from its Committee on Public Accounts that recommends the Commission on Audit conduct a comprehensive review of the LGSF's release and use in the region.

The BARMM government said it will cooperate with any legitimate congressional investigation.

"We will assure they will face the consequences," Pendatun said.

The controversy comes ahead of the first regular BARMM elections and could impact the regional government’s credibility.

Despite this, the Office of the Chief Minister reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing administrative reforms aimed at stronger governance.