Pressure is mounting on President Marcos Jr. to officially remove SAP Anton Lagdameo from his post as Special Assistant for Mindanao, and OPAPRU Sec. Carlito Galvez, as more and more local officials hold them responsible for worsening political division, deepening corruption and surge of violence in the Bangsamoro Region.
An increasing number of LGU officials and political leaders in BARMM are now demanding the full resignation of Lagdameo and Galvez, urging the appointment of a more capable and culturally grounded figures to handle Mindanao affairs—leaders who can truly ease tensions rather than deepen divisions.
Leading the call is Maguindanao Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, backed by Pandag Mayor and Al Ittihad Party President Odgie Balayman, Shariff Aguak Mayor Akmad Mitra Ampatuan , Mayor Jhong Ampatuan, GSKP Mayor Bimbo Ali, Datu Paglas Mayor Toy Paglas, Mamasapano Mayor Bots Ampatuan, Datu Saudi Mayor Resty Sindatok, SSB Mayor Allandatu Angas, Raja Buayan Vice Mayor Orly Utto, South Upi Mayor Helen Benito-Padua, Datu Rasul Sangki and DAS Mayor Suharto Al Wali Mangudadatu.
Also with them are Provincial Board Members Alonto Montawal Bangkulit, , Bobby Midtimbang, Yussef Paglas, Bai Zahara Upam Ampatuan, Kaka Jeng Ampatuan Macapendeg, Saidali Makakena, and Cong. Datu Mohamad “Tong” Paglas,Sr.
This reinforces a 2024 appeal from a coalition of Maguindanao mayors who accused Lagdameo of political interference, coercion, and favoritism in the province.
The renewed calls follow fresh incidents of post-election violence — including confirmed abductions in Shariff Aguak.
Also fueling the fire are recently surfaced documents showing the anomalous disbursement of billions in public funds released before the campaign period, along with photos suggesting an alleged conspiracy between the police, military, and a private armed group escorting flying voters.
Officials warn that without decisive national action, further bloodshed, renewed clan wars, and deepening corruption are inevitable.
“Ang nagiging problema lang dito sa amin, hindi katulad ng eleksyon sa ibang lugar na eleksyon lang, katungkulan lang. Sa amin kasi nagiging rido, nagiging madugo ang eleksyon. But if there is someone that we’re going to mediate na magkaroon ng reconciliation ang bawat clans or ang bawat political candidates, papayag kami because Muslims are peace-loving people, we submit to the decision or to the will of Allah.” Balayman explained.
Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs Hadj Almarim Tillah backed calls for the removal of Lagdameo and Galvez, saying they are unfit to resolve Bangsamoro issues. He stressed the need for a leader who understands the region’s people, values, and governance
“To the President, please, Bong, Mr. President, appoint the right people to oversee, to administer, to advise you regarding Muslim affairs.” urged Tillah .
Frustration with Lagdameo also stems from the complete defeat of the Alyansa senatorial slate in BARMM — a political embarrassment that critics attribute to his mismanagement, accusing him of focusing solely on Maguindanao, where his known critics were running.
Despite reports that Lagdameo and Galvez have submitted their courtesy resignations, Malacañang has yet to issue any official confirmation.
Local officials are hoping that this time, the President will finally listen—and promptly announce the official removal of Lagdameo and Galvez from their roles in BARMM.
