Philippines: Muslim autonomous area premier takes reins

By Ahmet Furkan Mercan

ANKARA (AA) - The prime minister of the newly formed autonomous region for Muslims in the southern Philippines Tuesday took over his post from the regional governor in an official ceremony.

Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim, who was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte, will administer the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) through 2022.

It was also announced during the ceremony, which took place in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao's (BARMM) capital Cotabato, that some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were appointed to various ministries, including education, finance and budget, and health.

The transitional authority has 80 members, 41 of them affiliated with the MILF and 39 appointed by the central government.

The authority holds legislative and executive power in the region, while the central government will maintain its main position in the national and constitutional structure, including defense and foreign affairs.

A historic referendum was held on Jan. 21 and Feb. 6 in southern Mindanao to grant the Moro Muslims autonomy.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement welcoming the authority members appointed by Duterte and congratulating all stakeholders on this “historical development.”

“Turkey will continue to further support the Southern Philippines Peace Process in the period ahead,” the statement said.

- Autonomous government

Courts of Islamic law will be established in the newly formed region as the Philippine central government transfers its administrative authority in Mindanao to the Bangsamoro government.

The waters in the Bangsamoro region will be simultaneously managed by the national government and Bangsamoro government.

The autonomous government will be responsible for the management of energy resources.

Muslims will be free in their internal affairs but bound to the Philippines in foreign policy, with some flexibility.

In addition, former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and MILF fighters will be eligible to join the official armed forces.