Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao News March 2019

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Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao Archived News
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Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

BTA chief: New admin to work for ill-free gov’t

(PIA Cotabato City)

COTABATO CITY (PIA) -- The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) headed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairperson Al Haj Murad Ebrahim as interim chief minister assured that the newly-established Bangsamoro government will be free from “ills of governance.”

The statement was made Tuesday (Feb 26) during the turnover of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the Bangasamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"We will also take oath to Allah over the Quran, this is to ensure to you that we will work for a government that will really be free of all the ills of governance," Murad said.

Murad was recently appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte along with the 80 members of the BTA, taking their oath at a ceremony in Malacañang, days before the turnover.

In his acceptance speech, Murad underscored the incoming government's agenda that will focus on health, education, economic development, strategic infrastructure, and moral leadership.

"Our government shall take responsibility for the education of our children. Our government shall take responsibility for the health of our constituents. Our government shall take responsibility of the economic development of our region. Our government shall take responsibility for the infrastructure development of our areas,”Murad said.

He added that "now that the government that we have long dreamed has finally established, the trust and responsibility is now in our hands. We are accountable to it, to Allah, and to our fellow Bangsamoro."

Outgoing ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman called on all Moro and non-Moro people to support the new Bangsamoro government.

"I have my full support to the 80 members of the BTA. I hope you will support the BTA and the interim chief just like what you did during my stint," Hataman said.

Meanwhile, the following have been named to serve different posts in the new Bangsamoro government: Engr. Edward Guerra, Minister of Budget and Finance; Dr. Zafrullah Dipatuan, Minister of Health; Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, Minister of Interior and Local Governance; Atty. Raisa Jajurie, Minister Social Service; Timuay Melanio Ulama, Minister of Indigenous Affairs; Mohagher Iqbal, Minister of Education; Mohammad Yacon, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture; Abdulrauf Macacua, Minister of Environment; Murad Ebrahim, Minister of Public Works and Highways; and Hussein Munoz, Minister of Public Order and Safety.

The BTA will govern the Bangsamoro during the three-year transition period until June 30, 2022, when the first set of BARMM officials have been elected.

ARMM posts lower employment rate

By Antonio Colina IV

DAVAO CITY – The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) posted an employment rate of 93.7% in January 2019, lower compared to 97.4% recorded in the same period of last year, according to the results of the January 2019 Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released on Thursday.

The ARMM had been replaced by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao after majority of its population voted in favor of the ratification of the Re­public Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OLBARMM) in a plebiscite last January 21 and February 6.

The latest em­ployment figure of the ARMM was the lowest among Min­danao’s six regions and the second low­est in the Philippines. The National Capital Region had the low­est at 93.6% while the highest was 96.9% of the Cagayan Valley.

The ARMM reg­istered a labor force participation rate (LFPR) of 47.7%, the lowest in the Phil­ippines, given the population 15 years old and over of 2.44 million as of January 2019.

The Northern Mindanao posted the highest employment rate at 95.8% in Mind­anao; Davao Region, 95.5%; Zamboanga Peninsula and Soccsk­sargen, 95.4%; and Caraga, 94.1%.

Based on the preliminary results of the Annual Labor and Employment Estimates for 2018 of the Philippine Statistics Author­ity (PSA), the ARMM’s employment rate of 96.3% for the entire 2018 was the highest in Mindanao.

The country’s employment rate in Janu­ary 2019 was estimated at 94.8%, slightly high­er compared to 94.7% recorded in the same period last year. The survey found the LFPR in the country was 60.2% given the population 15 years old and over of 72.95 million.

Workers in the services sector comprised the largest proportion of the employed popu­lation at 58.1%; agriculture sector, 22.1%; and industry sector, 19.7%.

Basilan marks 45th founding anniversary

By Teofilo Garcia, Jr. (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--The provincial government of Basilan highlighted the cultural and economic value of weaved Yakan cloth as the province celebrated Thursday its 45th founding anniversary.

Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Saliman told the Philippine News Agency that the celebration put a spotlight on the weaved Yakan cloth as it is the greatest heritage of the province.

Saliman said they added the word “Tennun” to promote the identity of Basilan and to signify the province's achievements in terms of peace and development. "Tennun" generally means woven cloth used in making the Yakan dress.

Anchored on the theme “Tennun…Weaving Diverse Culture for Peace and Inclusive Growth," the celebration culminated at the Isabela City Grandstand following a parade of participants wearing Yakan cloth.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, highlighted the improved peace and order condition of Basilan compared to the situation 21 years ago when he was assigned in the province.

Dela Vega represented National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the keynote speaker who was not able to attend due to an important appointment in Manila.

“We can see a big difference between before and now because of the development that is undertaken by the local government in terms of political, social and economic environment,” dela Vega said.

“You can count us in all you endeavors to ensure a brighter and better future of Basilan,” he added.

Saliman said this year’s "Pakarajaan", merrymaking in the local dialect, calls “for what is happening today and the previous ones”.

The different municipalities also showcased theatrical performances depicting their cultural values and traditions.

“We are celebrating the pride and culture of all the Basileños not only of the majority Yakans but also the Tausugs, the Christians called Chabacanos, and Sama who are inhabitants of this province,” Saliman said.

Saliman is the elder brother of former Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared March 7 as special non-working day in Basilan to provide an opportunity to the residents to celebrate the founding anniversary of the province.

5th Maguindanao town declared ‘drug-cleared’

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) has declared the town of Datu Abdullah Sangki in Maguindanao as “drug-cleared”.

The town is the fifth municipality to be declared "drug-cleared" in the province as well as the entire region.

“The persistent coordination of town officials of Datu Abdullah Sangki to the PDEA–ARMM to rid their place of illegal drugs has given them this remarkable commendation,” Marlon Santos, PDEA-ARMM officer-in-charge, said in a statement Thursday.

Only recently, the provincial oversight committee gave its final nod to declare the town’s 10 villages as drug-cleared after the concluding evaluation of its two far-flung villages--Old Maganoy and Madanding.

“The fight against prohibited drugs in this town would unceasingly continue in support to President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign to rid our country of the social menace,” Mayor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu said during a local radio interview Friday.

In 2018, the PDEA-ARMM has also declared the towns of Pandag, Shariff Aguak, Paglat and Kabuntalan, all in Maguindanao, as cleared of illegal drugs, peddlers, and drug dependents.

PRO-BARMM honors wounded cops in Lanao Sur clashes

By Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- The Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) on Sunday honored police officers wounded during a recent law enforcement operation in Lanao del Sur.

Brig. Gen. Graciano Mijares, PRO-BARMM director, pinned the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting to wounded police officers during simple ceremonies at Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City.

Mijares said the wounded policemen are now recuperating from gunshot wounds after trading shots with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) elements in Madamba, Lanao del Sur, last April 4 in an operation gone haywire.

They are identified as Police Captains Glen Lyca Gevero and Mark Harry Boglosa, Sergeants Marlon Panitan, Magno Olete; and Niño Cadano; Corporals Ronald Rosco and Omar Masakal; and Patrolman Arnel Montallanac. Each received a merit medal in recognition of their gallantry in the performance of police duties.

Speaking to reporters, Mijares said PNP-BARMM officials are also now studying the possibility of promoting to one rank higher all the eight wounded cops.

Policemen were to serve warrants against four wanted persons in Barangay Ilian, Madamba, when the suspects resisted arrest and resulted to a shootout.

The four wanted persons were killed but relatives of those slain connected with the MILF in the area retaliated, wounding eight police personnel in the process. Both the government and MILF coordinating peace panels are investigating the incident.

2K indigent patients get health services in Maguindanao

By Edwin Fernandez and Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY – An estimated 2,000 poor patients from Maguindanao’s 36 towns have so far benefitted from the ongoing massive four-day provincial health office program, being held in Shariff Aguak town.

Dubbed as “Gamutan Pangkalahatan Alay sa Bangsamoro ‘Yes’ to Kalusugan,” the program - which started Tuesday and will end Friday - is being spearheaded by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) – Maguindanao, headed by Dr. Tahir Sulaik, at the provincial hospital compound in Shariff Aguak.

Sulaik said they are targeting as much as 5,000 patients during the duration of the program.

“Physicians from the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City and volunteer doctors from Cotabato City; Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; and Tacurong City have joined us in this program,” Sulaik told reporters in an interview Wednesday.

Services offered include free operation for hernia, abdominal mass, breast mass, cyst, goiter, cleft lip and palate, head and neck mass, tumor, fractured bones, ligation, vasectomy, cataract operation, dental services, mass blood glucose determination, eye examination and surgery for pterygium and cancer screening, free pap smear, laboratory services, x-ray and ultrasound, general consultation and screening, and a blood-letting activity.

Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, also led the opening on Tuesday of the new out-patient department building and the newly-built mosque inside the hospital premises.

“Also, some of the patients have received wheelchairs from the governor,” Sulaik said.

Japan, ILO ink $2.6-M Bangsamoro water supply project

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora (PNA)

MANILA -- More households in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will soon have access to safe and potable water through a USD2.6 million-worth project that will build a community-based water supply in the region.

On Wednesday, the Japanese government and the International Labor Organization (ILO) inked a deal that would aid in the construction of water supply and recovery systems in the region using local workforce.

The initiative is expected to benefit over 1,800 workers and at least 12,000 households in the conflict-affected areas.

"I look forward to seeing more households in the Bangsamoro region gain better access to potable water, averting vulnerabilities to water-borne diseases caused by unsafe sources," Ambassador Koji Haneda said during the signing ceremony.

"Aside from making optimum use of these water infrastructure, I hope the beneficiaries will also find opportunities for decent work and better living conditions through this project with the ILO," he added.

Khalid Hassan, director of ILO Philippines, said the project would serve as "one of the centerpieces" for ILO's centenary "as interventions in the Bangsamoro areas are meant to create jobs" while advocating the decent work agenda.

"Using a peace lens, the project will reach out to returning combatants, vulnerable youth, indigenous peoples, and men and women displaced and vulnerable to conflict," he added.

In the ARMM, only 53 percent of families have access to safe water-- lower than the national average of 85 percent, based on the 2016 data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

PDEA-ARMM nabs HVT drug suspect, seizes P340K shabu

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

COTABATO CITY -- Anti-narcotic agents nabbed a high-value target (HVT) drug personality from Maguindanao province and seized from the suspect some PHP340,000 worth of illegal drugs during a buy-bust operation here Tuesday.

Marlon Santos, officer-in-charge of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM), identified the arrested suspect as Samin Agao Kusain alias Hussain Samin Agao, 36, former village secretary of Barangay Katidtuan, Kabuntalan, Maguindanao.

Santos said Agao was collared following a 3:30 p.m. deal with a poseur-buyer at the corner of Don Rufino Alonzo Street and Quezon Avenue in this city.

Agao yielded 50 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of PHP340,000; a wallet containing six identification documents, a mobile phone, and the marked money, the PDEA-ARMM officer said.

“An accomplice of the suspect identified as Noriza Ako alias ‘Bai’ managed to elude arrest,” he added.

Charges for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being readied against the suspect who is now detained at the PDEA-ARMM custodial facility at Pedro Colina Hill in this city.

ARMM emergency response unit in limbo

By John Unson (The Philippine Star)

COTABATO CITY , Philippines — Uncertainty hounds the contingent that served five million people in disaster and conflict response operations while under the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Personnel of the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Response Team (HEART) yesterday held what was for them their last staff meeting.

They are unsure if the regional parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will retain their multi-awarded humanitarian outfit.

The HEART, established in 2013 by then ARMM governor Mujiv Hataman, is comprised of rescuers and medical responders trained to serve even in extremely hostile and uncontrolled environments.

Many HEART workers also underwent extensive schooling on offshore rescue operations in the special military training school of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the largest military unit in central Mindanao.

HEART information officer Myrna Jocelyn Henry said they are now ready to turn over their office and well documented equipment outlay to BARMM’s chief minister, Hadji Murad Ebrahim.

Ebrahim, chairman of the central committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), is the appointed head of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) that would manage the BARMM pending the election of its first set of officials in 2022.

Hataman turned over to Ebrahim the ARMM government last Tuesday to pave the way for its replacement with an MILF-led BARMM.

HEART personnel said they are still waiting for a written memorandum from Ebrahim on whether to move out or stay for possible retention.

“We have prepared for this. Our former regional governor, Mujiv Hataman, supported the creation of BARMM so we also voted for the ratification of the law that created it, the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” said a Moro rescuer.

Hataman said he is hoping the BTA will retain the HEART.

“These workers have proven their dedication to serve even in difficult situations. Their trainings and field work experience would just go to waste. Just the same, it’s really up to the BTA, whose governance initiatives I shall support to the best I can,” Hataman said.

Besides having provided residents of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi with relief services over the past five years, the HEART also aided evacuees from villages in Tacloban and Leyte in the Visayas that were hit by a powerful storm more than two years ago.

Murad leads first BARMM flag-raising ceremony

By Noel Punzalan (PNA)

SHARIFF KABUNSUAN COMPLEX, Cotabato City – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim led here Monday other regional officials for BARMM’s first-ever flag-raising ceremony at the complex of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Murad stood at attention as he sang the “Lupang Hinirang” national anthem together with the other BARMM ministerial officials and some 500 employees at the grounds fronting the BARMM administrative building here.

“This is the first time that I, as your Chief Minister, and the members of the Interim Cabinet, have joined you in this flag-raising ceremony,” Murad said in his speech following the hoisting of the Philippine flag.

He noted that the new regional set up is in the very early stage of the transition process, and brings with it some elements of fear, doubt, and resistance.

“Maybe the most frequently asked question among yourselves could be, what would happen to us now?” he said, adding that consistent with his earlier statements, the employees’ status in the BARMM would be determined by the nature of their appointments.

“That is, for the permanent (employees): you remain in your posts until the Bangsamoro Transition Authority has finally adopted the transition plan, which shall contain the organizational plan as well as the schedule for the implementation thereof,” Murad said.

For those holding contracts of service, he said the BARMM would honor such contract in general, but a review of the nature of the job and performance shall also be made.

“For those co-terminus, I know that you are also aware that your service has to end simultaneous with the end of the term of the one who appointed you,” he stressed.

Murad told the BARMM workers to prepare for some snags in the coming months as there would be adjustments in the administrative, fiscal, organizational, legal, and relational matters to be resolved during the transition process.

“My only request to you, fellow workers of the BARMM, is cooperation. I truly understand your concern for your careers, but somehow we have to start this overhauling of the regional government,” he said.

Murad said a ministerial form of government would be established, necessitating bureaucratic changes, that is, changes in structures, processes and even people.

“We have to remember that the constitutional provisions on the creation of our autonomous region are grounded on the history of the struggle of our people for, among other things, the opportunity to improve their lives and their communities,” he said.

BARMM leaders to get P31 billion from budget

By Jezz Diaz With Delon Porcalla, John Unson, Jose Rodel Clapano, Jaime Laude (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) that will administer the new autonomous Muslim region in Mindanao for three years will inherit operational funds of more than P31 billion this year.

The amount is the funding level President Duterte has recommended in his proposed P3.757-trillion 2019 national budget for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Senate and the House of Representatives have retained the amount.

On Tuesday, ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman turned over leadership of the regional government to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader Murad Ebrahim, who heads the transition body that will run the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Hataman was expected to make a detailed accounting of the funds, personnel, equipment and other assets ARMM is entrusting to BARMM.

In his still-to-be-enacted proposed budget for this year, the President allocated a total of P31.117 billion to ARMM divided as P13.4 billion for salaries, P4.659 billion for maintenance and other operating expenses and P13.059 billion for capital outlay, the bulk of which is for infrastructure projects.

The allocation for salaries is huge because of thousands of public school teachers under the region’s education department.

The ARMM outlay is further distributed into 12 expense classes: P236 million for regional legislation; P1.278 billion for regional autonomy administration and finance resources management; P40.3 million for peace, law and order, and human rights protection and promotion; P629.6 million for agriculture, fishery and land reform; P56.1 million for employment and industrial peace; and P147.1 million for trade, industry and investment development.

Some P11.2 billion goes to education, science and technology, and P10.8 billion to roads and public infrastructure facilities.

Ebrahim, as concurrent minister of public works and highways, and Mohaguer Iqbal, as education minister, will oversee the expenditure of the largest budgetary allocations for the new autonomous region.

The remaining expense classes and their funding are P1.5 billion for health and nutrition, P157 million for social welfare and protection, P67.5 million for transportation and communications, P33.2 million for environment conservation and management and human settlement.

The projects, programs and activities to be funded under the 12 expense classifications are all detailed in the ARMM budget.

The regional government is required to approve a budget plan and follow procurement laws and regulations.

Some previous Muslim officials are facing criminal charges for alleged misuse of the autonomous region’s funds.

Funding for ARMM more than doubled under the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III and Hataman’s leadership of the region.

A lawmaker said Islamic banks are crucial to the Bangsamoro’s development as an independent region.

Leyte Rep. Henry Ong, chairman of the committee on banks and financial intermediaries of the House of Representatives, said it would be best for the BTA to lobby for the measure crucial for the region’s economy.

“To boost the economy of the BARMM, I express the hope that the proposed Islamic Banking law be prioritized immediately after Congress reconvenes post-May elections,” he said.

“Aside from the national budgetary support and foreign grants, new investments are needed in Northern Mindanao and BARMM. Having more investment flows through Islamic banks and expanded financial inclusion will further spur economic activity,” Ong said.

Ong explained Islamic banks will allow private investors and governments in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa to engage business in the BARMM.

He said Islamic banks will act as financial conduits, advisors and depositary institutions.

Good governance to reign in BARMM: BTA chief

By EJ Roque (PNA)

MANILA – Good governance will be delivered in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim administrator of the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Murad Ebrahim Al Haj promised on Tuesday.

Murad, recently appointed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte as the interim Chief Minister of the BARMM, vowed to eradicate the culture of corruption and sustain the gains of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

"The trust and responsibility is now in our hands. We are accountable to it, to Allah, and our fellow Bangsamoro," he said in a ceremonial handover event at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex inside the ARMM compound in Cotabato City.

Murad said the Bangsamoro people are now entering a new struggle, which is to instill the culture of good governance in the autonomous region.

"Our enemy during this struggle is not the soldiers. Our enemy is not the government. Our enemy is oppression, our enemy is exploitation, our enemies are those anti-people," Murad said.

"We are now entering another level of Jihad. Our Jihad will be more intense and more challenging. Our Jihad, firstly, will be against our own self. Our enemy is graft and corruption. Our enemy is manipulation of the government. Our enemy is nepotism. Our enemy is all those ills of the government," he added.

Murad cited the interim government’s main agenda that would ensure the delivery of services to the Moro and non-Moro people residing in the BARMM.

"Our government shall take responsibility for the education of our children. Our government shall take responsibility for the health of our constituents. Our government shall take responsibility for the economic development of our region. Our government shall take responsibility for the infrastructure development of our areas. I shall be responsible for leading a morally upright bureaucracy," he said.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. said he is confident that the BTA members can fulfill their mandate since they are people with "sincerity, dedication, and commitment in pushing for the realization of the Bangsamoro aspirations".

Galvez urged the BTA to "work for the common good of the Bangsamoro people".

"The bottom line here is to bring good governance through clean governmental transaction. This will show our sincerity to provide the needed services that the people in the Bangsamoro truly deserve," Galvez said in a speech.

Galvez emphasized the significance of unity in diversity, urging the new leadership to work together as a team.

"Just like a rainbow, it is composed of different hues. Each color is uniquely beautiful and has a special purpose. It is reflective of the various tribes and beliefs that co-exist in the Bangsamoro homeland. But we can only maximize its beauty and power if we work harmoniously and collectively," he said.

Immediately after the ceremonial handover, the new Bangsamoro government hit the ground running as Murad presided a Cabinet meeting to set the direction and focus of the new administration.

Another meeting was set on Wednesday to identify the parliament's priorities for the next 100 days, which include the establishment of the key legislative structures such as Electoral, Local Government, Education, Administrative, Revenue, and Civil Service Codes.

Prior to Tuesday’s event, Murad met with Galvez and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Yusop Jikiri to discuss issues that need to be resolved to ensure a seamless transition. Among them is the status of ARMM employees.

"We agreed that there will be no retrenchment. All employees, except those who are co-terminus, will be retained until the end of the year," Galvez said.

Galvez echoed Duterte's guidance to put a premium on the welfare of the Bangsamoro and every Filipino.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said he is elated at bowing down from the office since he is leaving a more developed ARMM.

"Iiwan natin ang rehiyon nang mas malakas, mas maunlad (We will be leaving the region stronger, more developed)," he said emotionally.

ARMM's economic growth has improved in recent years. In 2017, its gross regional domestic product had its peak in history with 12.1 percent, making it the fastest in the country. Its employment rate also surged at 97.4 percent last year.

The BARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. The autonomous region's territory has expanded to include the city of Cotabato and 63 villages in North Cotabato province following the plebiscites in these areas.

The establishment of the BARMM is the result of the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law -- the legal document operationalizing the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, including all the previous peace agreements that the government has entered into with the Moro fronts.

Duterte earlier described the new BARMM as a realization of everyone's dream to end the armed struggle in Mindanao.

MILF chief assumes gov't post as BARMM chief

By Noel Punzalan and Edwin Fernandez (PNA)

COTABATO CITY – The leader of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is now officially a government official after he assumed on Tuesday the leadership of the expanded autonomous region in southern Philippines.

In a turn-over ceremony, MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim assumed the top post of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Center here.

The historic event was witnessed by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and more than 5,000 Bangsamoro people.

Hataman turned over his post to Ebrahim, including the assets and liabilities of the regional bureaucracy. After which, the outgoing governor delivered an emotional farewell speech.

“Let us now unite, do away with tribalism, Muslims, Christians and (Indigenous Peoples), let us all unite now under this Bangsamoro government,” a teary-eyed Hataman said in his speech.

The BARMM is the result of more than 20 years of peace negotiations between Manila and the MILF. After assuming the post, Ebrahim announced some of his regional cabinet members who will help him run the affairs of the new political entity.

Ebrahim assured ARMM civil government workers that they shall remain in office in the meantime but those who are co-terminus with the elected officials may go.

“All those in the bureaucracy will remain intact,” Ebrahim said as the current ARMM employees who feared of losing jobs when the new leaders assume office lauded his statement.

Ebrahim said the new government will be inaugurated next month, as the first session of the BARMM parliament will also take place in March. Ebrahim, in a concurrent capacity, would be BARMM’s Minister of Public Works and Highways. Other appointees include Architect Eduard Guerra, Minister of Finance, Budget and Management; Atty. Raissa Jajurie, Minister of Social Services;

Mohagher Iqbal, Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education; Dr. Zafrullah Dipatuan, Minister of Health; Timuay Melanio Ulama, Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs; Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, Minister of Local Government; Abdoraof Macacua, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources; Mohammad Suwaib Yacob, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform; and Hussein Munoz, Minister of Public Order and Safety.

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