Bangsamoro creates new Islamic affairs office under chief minister

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro government has formally created the Office of the Senior Adviser to the Chief Minister (OSACM) to provide specialized guidance on matters of religious significance and moral administration, according to an executive order issued Friday by Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.

Executive Order No. 10 tasked the new office with delivering expert recommendations on interfaith affairs, moral governance, and related policy matters affecting the autonomous region. The establishment reflects the BARMM administration's commitment to integrating religious and ethical considerations into governance frameworks across the predominantly Muslim region in Mindanao.

The OSACM is expected to serve as a consultative body for the chief minister's office, addressing complex issues at the intersection of religious affairs and public administration. The office's creation suggests the regional government's intention to deepen alignment between governance decisions and Islamic principles and values.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, established under the 2019 Bangsamoro Organic Law, has been gradually building institutional capacity to manage autonomous governance functions. This latest organizational development signals the administration's focus on incorporating moral and religious perspectives into policy formulation and implementation.