Duterte OKs bill splitting Maguindanao into two provinces

Graphic representation of the division of Maguindanao into two provinces.

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a bill that splits Maguindanao into two provinces, Malacañang said Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte signed the bill on Wednesday during a meeting about the transition of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Under the new law, Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur will be created.

“The reason why they were there in the first place was the signing of a bill dividing the province of Maguindanao to Del Dur and Del Norte,” he said in a Palace briefing.

Malacañang has yet to furnish a copy of the signed measure to the media.

In March, the Senate approved a bill creating the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, which aims to accelerate the political, social, and economic development of the new provinces and ensure that government services are more accessible and more responsive to the needs of their respective constituents.

Under the bill, Maguindanao del Norte will be composed of the following towns: Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang, North Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, and Talitay.

Meanwhile, Maguindanao del Sur will consist of Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdulla Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Sharif Aguak, Sharif Saydona Mustafa, Sultan sa Barongis, Talayan, and South Upi.

The capital towns and seats of government of the two new provinces will be Datu Odin Sinsuat for Maguindanao del Norte, and Buluan for Maguindanao del Sur.

EDV