COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- The government of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao announced the formation of an anti-graft body in a bid to change public perception that the region is run by corrupt officials.

The ARMM is made up of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-tawi.

Despite being recipients of millions of dollars in foreign and local aid, the region remains at the bottom of the country's economically-developed areas.

ARMM Governor Zaldy Ampatuan issued an executive order last Monday creating the Internal Affairs and Complaints Committee (IACC), which was tasked to adopt anti-corruption measures against erring public officials and employees, ARMM information chief Samson Gogo said on Thursday.

Gogo said Ampatuan, who is often embarrassed by comments that the ARMM would never develop because it is run by corrupt officials, named ARMM Executive Secretary Oscar Sampulna as IACC head.

Sampulna, a lawyer, will be joined by fellow lawyers Deputy Executive Secretary Ishak Mastura, Solicitor General Cynthia Sayadi, Social Fund Project Manager Mustapha Sambolawan, and Official Development Assistance Director Norodin Kasim.

The move is in reaction to the public clamor for a truly transparent and accountable government in the ARMM, said Gogo, quoting the governor.

Among the IACC's immediate task is the investigation of all administrative complaints filed against several ARMM officials and the filing of charges against those found abusing their positions.