COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government has launched a new mechanism to promptly address and efficiently settle conflicts within all of its units, fostering a more cost-effective and collaborative approach to conflict resolution.
The Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office, in partnership with the Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), officially launched the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) on Dec. 11, in this city.
By virtue of the Bangsamoro Administrative Code (BAC), the ADR is significant in setting disputes concerning BARMM offices and corporations, which also opens doors to a more efficient, cost-effective, and collaborative approach to conflict resolution.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim underscored that the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on the ADR serve as a cornerstone that illustrates the BARMM Government’s dedication to efficient and joint administration to achieve a fair and balanced bureaucracy.
“This IRR not only upholds the principles of Moral Governance, but also serves as a middle ground for agencies of the Bangsamoro Government in cases of dispute,” he stressed.
Ebrahim also expressed hope that the ADR would result in a fresh start in conflict resolution and governance, highlighting that justice becomes accessible, disputes are resolved amicably, and the Bangsamoro people are empowered to build a brighter and more peaceful future for the region.
Minister Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba of the Interior and Local Government, former Bangsamoro Attorney-General, urged Bangsamoro officials and employees to read and familiarize themselves with the IRR to appropriately utilize it whenever necessary, especially in resolving disputes.
Present to share messages of support were Bangsamoro Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama, represented by Atty. Ariff Lao; Atty. Reginald Pastrana, Parliament Expert and SUBATRA Team Leader; Atty. Macacuna Macadato, Chief of the Legal and Legislative Liaison Office, represented by Bai Jasmine Hashim; Minister Melanio Ulam of Indigenous People’s Affairs; Minister Hussein Muñoz of Public Order and Safety, represented by Atty. Sapphira Dimalotang; Minister Muslimin Sema of Labor and Employment, represented by Atty. Datu Harris Pinguiaman; and Minister Mohammad Yacob of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform, represented by Arphia Ebus.
The IRR on ADR aligns with the first and 11th priority agenda of CM Ebrahim, centered on establishing a stronger BARMM bureaucracy and sustaining peace across the Bangsamoro region. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
