Women leaders under the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expressed opposition to the removal of Engr. Aida Silongan from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which is composed of 80 members and leads the interim government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Her removal stripped off the much-needed representation of women in the transition government during the most crucial part of the transition period. Silongan represents several thousand MILF women members in the communities,” stated an open letter to Ferdinand Marcos Jr from 15 leaders of women’s organizations in Mindanao dated May 22.

Silongan has been a BTA member since 2019 and headed the Ministry of Science and Technology. She also managed the Social Welfare Committee of the MILF and became the first and only woman member of the Board of Directors of the Bangsamoro Development Agency of the MILF. She also serves as lead convenor of the Women’s Organization of Bangsamoro (WOMB), a federation composed of 30 women’s organizations based in Mindanao.

In BTA 1 (2019) and 2 (2022), women significantly participated in the BTA. Sixteen out of the 80 BTA members were women, and the Floor Leader was also a woman. In BTA 3 (2025), only 10 women became members. The BTA serves as the interim body tasked to lead the BARMM under the MILF and 41 nominees. However, in March, Silongan was replaced by a man the MILF did not officially endorse.

It can be recalled that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership was displeased with Marcos Jr’s appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as the new interim chief minister of the BTA in March. According to its Central Committee statement, Marcos replaced the current interim chief, Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, without consultation, which contradicted the group’s expressed desire for him to remain in power. In addition, Marcos appointed only 35 out of the 41 names submitted by the MILF to the BTA.

Sandugo co-chairperson Amirah Lidasan supported the call of the MILF women leaders. She said that the BTA needs a reliable woman representative, especially among those fighting for peace in Mindanao.

She also denounced the government’s continued interference in BARMM following Marcos’ questionable appointment of new BTA members and the region’s first election postponement.

“Since the BTA is part of the peace process with the MILF, it should look into the possible violations committed by the Philippine government to the peace deal and to determine if they are sincere with the ongoing peace talks,” Lidasan added.

The MILF had earlier warned that by disregarding and ignoring the recommendations of the MILF, Marcos is effectively stripping the MILF of the right to lead the BTA. It is in everyone’s interest to consult with the MILF leadership and respect their decisions on matters of great importance to the Bangsamoro, the statement said.