COA Team Arrives for Audit of Bangsamoro Education Ministry
A special audit team from the Commission on Audit (COA) arrived in Cotabato City on Friday, September 5, to investigate alleged anomalous disbursements of ₱2.2 billion by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE).
The audit was ordered last month following complaints that the MBHTE made a ₱1.77-billion payment in a single day and a ₱449.2-million payment to a single supplier under questionable circumstances. The team, escorted by Marines and police, secured documents from the COA regional office.
MBHTE Director General Abdullah “Jun” Salik described the heavy security presence as “overkill,” expressing shock at the deployment. However, the Police Regional Office-BARMM stated the personnel were there to ensure the auditors’ safety.
COA Chair Gamaliel Cordoba had informed BARMM Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua that initial reviews justified a special audit. The ₱1.77-billion disbursement, reportedly for learners’ and teachers’ kits in March 2025, allegedly bypassed standard procedures, while the ₱449.2-million payment raised further concerns.
MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal, previously calling the allegations a “demolition job,” has stated his agency welcomes investigations. Meanwhile, Bangsamoro Parliament’s blue ribbon committee chair Rasol Mitmug urged Iqbal to take an indefinite leave to ensure an unimpeded audit. Mitmug said Iqbal acknowledged the suggestion but has yet to act on it. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)
