BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has ordered the filing of multiple criminal and administrative cases against former Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal before the Office of the Ombudsman. The move stems from a special audit by the Commission on Audit (COA) that allegedly uncovered anomalies in the procurement of P2.2 billion worth of learning and training materials for schools in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Macacua's Letter to Iqbal
In a personal letter to Iqbal, Macacua emphasized that the filing of charges would give the former minister an opportunity to answer the allegations and clear his name. The chief minister also noted that not only Iqbal but the entire BARMM institution's reputation had been tarnished by the serious corruption allegations.
Loss of Trust
Macacua further stated that he had lost confidence in Iqbal's ability to lead, which contradicts the ideals they both fought for in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. He stressed the need to act and take a stand to rebuild the morality of the Bangsamoro government.
Background of the Case
Records show that on May 19, 2026, Iqbal was removed from his post as Chief Minister of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) following the release of the COA report on the anomaly. This step is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign in BARMM, alongside reforms in the management of education funds.
The filing of cases before the Ombudsman is expected to clarify the extent of the controversy and serve as a test of the Bangsamoro government's integrity in fighting corruption.
