The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is investigating alleged irregularities involving the use of funds allocated to local government units in the region, spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun said on Wednesday.
“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 a statement to the Manila Bulletin.
Pendatun said Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua is taking the issue seriously to clear his name.
The investigation will be conducted after a speech by Lanao del Sur Rep. Ziaur Alonto Adiong said that ₱500,000 to ₱2.5 million were deposited into the Landbank accounts of around 400 barangays in Lanao del Sur.
However, just days after the funds were credited, individuals allegedly claiming to represent the Office of the Chief Minister reportedly instructed barangay officials to withdraw almost all of the funds, leaving only ₱200,000, for an unexplained “special operation.”
Adiong noted that many barangay officials refused to use the funds due to the lack of clear guidelines and supporting documents.
He raised the possibility that the funds in question may have come from the ₱6.356-billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) of BARMM under the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 56. Under Bangsamoro Budget Circular No. 10, the release of such funds requires a special budget request.
The BARMM assured that they are willing to fully cooperate with any legitimate investigation in line with Congress’ oversight functions to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Individuals involved will be dealt with. “We will assure they will face the consequences,” Pendatun warned.