MNLF exec retained as BARMM labor chief

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The Bangsamoro regional government has retained an official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as chief of the labor department.

Muslimin Sema was the first to be retained among officials of the Bangsamoro government who filed their courtesy resignnations last week to pave the way for changes in the region’s ministerial structure.

Journalists yesterday obtained copies of a directive signed by Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim for Sema to remain in his post.

Sema, chair of the MNLF’s central committee, was among heads of different ministries and agencies who resigned following orders by Ebrahim, figurehead of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The MNLF and MILF have separate peace pacts with the government and are partners in overseeing the development initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“The rejection by the BARMM chief minister of my resignation indicated that he wants inclusivity and multisectoral involvement in managing the Bangsamoro government,” Sema said.

He said he would continue programs meant to empower and protect the rights of the labor sector in all six provinces and three cities in the Bangsamoro region.