ARMM gov to discipline absentee, non-performing officials

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

COTABATO CITY–Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman on Thursday said he would impose sanctions on absentee and non-performing local government officials in the region.

This after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the administrator of martial law in Mindanao, issued Martial Law Instruction No. 1 ordering the provincial governors in Mindanao, including Hataman, to monitor and guarantee the “presence and the delivery of government programs and services to the constituents of the respective LGUs.”

“The absence of the local chief executives, in some cases, results in the total failure in the delivery of vital basic services to their constituents,” Lorenzana said in his instructions dated Jan. 8.

“This situation presents a very serious concern as the lack of basic services leads to a general dissatisfaction with government, which has been determined to be one of the leading causes for individuals to join rebel and extremist groups,” he added.

Hataman welcomed Lorenzana’s order, saying he would abide by it.

“Non-performing LGUs will face sanctions,” the regional governor warned.

Hataman also said he would do “surprise” visits to towns in the region.

The ARMM is composed of five provinces, two cities and 116 towns.

Martial law in Mindanao was first declared on May 23 last year, when fighting between government forces and Islamic State-inspired terrorists broke out in Marawi City.

Upon the recommendation of security officials, the Senate and the House on Dec. 13 jointly voted to extend martial law in Mindanao by a year.