THE Ministry of Interior and Local Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MILG-Barmm) has granted the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership to six local chief executives (LCEs) in Barmm.

The award was granted for the first time since its launching in December 2020.

Named after Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) founding chair Sheikh Salamat Hashim, the prestigious Seal award is given to LCEs whose leadership qualities demonstrate those of Salamat's-accountable, participatory, and service-oriented.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, MILF minister, said Monday that the six LCEs who received the award are: Mayor Hanie Bud of Maluso, Basilan; Mayor Ali Sumandar of Piagapo, Lanao del Sur; Mayor Abdulkarim Langkuno of Paglat, Maguindanao; Mayor Datu Shameem Mastura of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; Mibpantao Midtimbang Jr. of Guindulungan, Maguindanao; and, Ramon Piang, Sr. of Upi, Maguindanao.

Sinarimbo said that each of them received P2.5 million cash incentive and 18 karats gold medallion worth P311,000.

The awarding of the Seal was the highlight of the MILG's Pagkilala: Awarding Ceremony of Barmm Local government Units held on January 19 at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

The awarding ceremony was part of the recently concluded 3rd Barmm founding anniversary celebration. (SunStar Zamboanga)