‘Grand exit’ for ARMM as execs claim achievements

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—Calling it a grand exit for a political entity that had been described as a “failed experiment” in autonomy, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) celebrated its 25th, and probably last, anniversary dressed in its finest.

The streets of this city, where ARMM keeps its seat of government, exploded in a burst of colors as floats and performers took part in a parade leading to the ARMM compound on Wednesday.

“This is the first and the last celebration of anniversary for ARMM,” said Gov. Mujiv Hataman.

“All of us will have heavier and larger sacrifices if the Bangsamoro will not be realized before 2016,” he said.

The governor was referring to a move by the Aquino administration to replace ARMM with a Bangsamoro entity. A bill creating the new autonomous body has been certified urgent by President Benigno Aquino III following the signing of a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Performers danced and model Moro villages were displayed inside the ARMM compound.

One of the models is that of a fishing community in Tawi-Tawi that include real houses, boats in a pool with live sea creatures like octopus, fish, crabs and seashells.

Hataman said while the region may be assessed as a failure in general, the reforms initiated by the Aquino administration are worth celebrating.

“We were able to prove that the impossible can be made possible,” Hataman said.

Hataman said his brief tenure in the region led to some of the most drastic changes, like one that stopped the continued bleeding of the region’s coffers by so-called ghost employees.

He said at least P4 billion in investments had come in and P6 billion more are waiting in line.

Basic services, like health and education, had been delivered straight to communities, he said.

Security was tight during the anniversary celebration.

Chief Supt. Noel delos Reyes, ARMM police chief, said security was particularly tight at the ARMM compound, where the anniversary rites were held.

Reyes said the recent statement made by Hataman calling for an all-out war on the Abu Sayyaf had made him and other ARMM officials targets of the crime group. With a report by Charlie C. Senase, Inquirer Mindanao