Cotabato City – Former Minister of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo has been appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as a new member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament. Sinarimbo took his oath under the Philippine Constitution at the Malacañan Palace, marking his official return to public service in the Bangsamoro region.
In a statement, Sinarimbo expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to serving the Bangsamoro people. He acknowledged the significance of the appointment, particularly as the region prepares for its first-ever parliamentary elections later this year.
“As we navigate the crucial period leading up to the first Bangsamoro Parliament elections, I am committed to ensuring that the laws we craft are just, inclusive, and centered on the needs of our people, despite the constraints of time,” Sinarimbo stated.
His extensive experience in governance and peacebuilding has positioned him as a key figure in the region’s political landscape. He previously served as Executive Secretary of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), where he played a crucial role in stabilizing the bureaucracy after the Maguindanao Massacre. He was also involved in the Philippine Government’s High-Level Panel for the Tripartite Review of the 1996 Peace Agreement and contributed to the negotiations of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro as part of the MILF Peace Panel’s Technical Working Group and Legal Team.
Additionally, Sinarimbo played a vital role in the drafting and passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law as a member of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri’s legal team. His leadership as MILG Minister during BARMM’s institution-building phase further demonstrated his dedication to regional governance and development.
“With this new role, I aim to strengthen governance in BARMM—one that is accountable, cohesive, and truly representative of our people’s aspirations,” he said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Bangsamoro Parliament to advance policies for peace, progress, and inclusive development.”
Sinarimbo emphasized that his lifelong commitment to the Bangsamoro struggle has taken many forms, from peace negotiations to institutional reforms. His appointment to the BTA Parliament, he noted, is a continuation of his efforts to support the region’s self-determination and governance.
As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) approaches a critical juncture in its transition, Sinarimbo’s expertise and leadership are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of the region.
