Ex-MNLF, MILF combatants to be prioritized in employment policy --BARMM Labor minister

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COTABATO CITY — Newly appointed Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) Minister Atty. Kitem Kadatuan Jr. has pledged to put the welfare of former combatants from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at the forefront of his administration, emphasizing strict adherence to civil service preferences for the Bangsamoro struggle’s veterans.

In a press briefing on the first week of office of appointed ministers of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) regular government, Kadatuan acknowledged the immense responsibility entrusted to him, invoking faith (Insha'Allah) as he vowed to safeguard the trust placed in his leadership.

The core angle of the minister's mission, as indicated in a directive from BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, centers on honoring the sacrifices of the region's fighters.

Following a Saturday briefing called by Macacua regarding regional guidelines, Kadatuan highlighted Section 305 of the Bangsamoro Civil Service Code.

Under this provision, Salary Grade 1 to 9 positions mandate a preference for mujahideen and mujahidat (male and female fighters, respectively).

Kadatuan stressed that this policy will heavily influence contract-of-service (COS) and job-order placements under MOLE, ensuring inclusivity across factions.

"If Salary Grade 1 to 9 already has a preference for mujahideen and mujahidat, all the more so for our contract of service or job orders. That is what we can do to help our mujahideen and mujahidat," Kadatuan said.

He clarified, however, that while entry-level and contract roles will prioritize veterans, high-level appointments will still be subject to standard qualifications and appointment procedures.

Addressing employment stability within the agency, Kadatuan gave the assurance that existing job-order contracts will be honored until their expiration.

For contracts scheduled to end by October 30, renewal or rehiring will rest on the discretion and evaluation of the ministry's hiring authorities based on institutional needs. —KG, GMA News