Cotabato city: The education minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will remain a regional cabinet member after interim BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua declined his courtesy resignation. Chief Minister Macacua advised Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) to continue serving the region's education sector.

According to Philippines News Agency, Macacua issued a memorandum on July 14, made public on Tuesday, instructing Iqbal to continue reporting for work and fulfilling his usual duties and responsibilities as minister. This decision comes after Macacua's earlier directive on June 23, requiring all regional ministers, deputy ministers, directors general, and department heads to submit courtesy resignations in an effort to institute reforms within BARMM.

So far, Macacua has declined the resignations of eight officials, including Iqbal. The status of other officials is still under study and evaluation. Those previously instructed to remain in their positions include Minister Akmad Brahim of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE), Minister Ubaida Pacasem of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MFBM), Minister Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr. of the Ministry of Health, Minister Muslimin Sema of the Ministry of Labor and Employment, Minister Raissa Jajurie of the Ministry of Social Services and Development, Acting Minister Jehan Usop of the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Bangsamoro Board of Investment Chairman Mohammad Pasigan.