DAVAO CITY – Officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have come forward to defend Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr.:Officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have come forward to defend Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr., against corruption accusations made by former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu.
According to Philippines News Agency, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim strongly refuted the allegations during a press statement on Tuesday, labeling them as “entirely fabricated” and motivated by malice. Ebrahim emphasized that the Bangsamoro government is currently exploring legal actions against individuals perpetuating these unsubstantiated claims.
Ebrahim expressed his firm condemnation of the accusations, which he said unfairly tarnish the reputation of Lagdameo and the Bangsamoro government. He urged the public and politica
l figures to avoid personal attacks and baseless accusations, especially as the region approaches its first parliamentary elections.
In support of Lagdameo, Maguindanao del Norte OIC Governor Abdulraof Macacua also denied claims that the presidential aide had been pressuring local BARMM officials to change their political affiliations. In an interview with Kutangbato News, Macacua clarified that the alignment between the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) and the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) was established prior to Lagdameo’s involvement.
Further defending the integrity of the political process, Rajah Buayan Mayor Yacob Lumenda confirmed that there has been no coercion of local officials regarding their political stances. He noted that regional mayors have been able to gather and discuss issues freely, without undue influence from higher authorities.
Chief Minister Ebrahim called for unity and integrity among the populace as they move towards a landmark election, emphasizing the importance of co
nducting the electoral process with honesty and credibility.