Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has designated lawyer and former environment secretary Antonio Cerilles as his adviser for Mindanao concerns. Marcos made the announcement on his official Facebook page, sharing several photos of Cerilles taking oath before him. "Today we swore in Atty. Antonio Cerilles as Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Concerns," he stated.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized Cerilles' extensive experience in public service, highlighting his roles as a former governor, congressman, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary. "Tony has spent decades serving the people-as [former] governor, congressman and DENR Secretary. His experience will be invaluable as we continue working to bring real progress to Mindanao," Marcos added.

Cerilles served as governor of Zamboanga del Sur from 2010 to 2019. He also represented the second district of Zamboanga del Sur at the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1998 and from 2004 to 2010. Additionally, he held the position of DENR chief under the Estrada administration from 1998 to 2001.

In another Facebook post, Marcos shared several photos of newly installed Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, who was sworn in at Malaca±an Palace in Manila. Macacua's latest appointment was first announced by Malaca±ang on March 9. Marcos expressed optimism that Macacua would lead the Bangsamoro Transition Authority in building on the progress made in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"His leadership comes at a crucial time as we prepare for the region's first parliamentary elections-ensuring a smooth transition and a stronger future for the Bangsamoro people," Marcos said. Macacua will serve as BARMM interim chief minister until the winners in the region's first parliamentary elections are proclaimed after the October elections.