‘Economic boom ‘guaranteed’ with new Bangsamoro entity’—Hataman

Mujiv Hataman

MANILA, Philippines—There will be a “guaranteed” economic boost in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) once it is replaced by a new autonomous political entity that is Bangsamoro, ARMM acting Governor Mujiv Hataman said Tuesday.

In an interview with Erwin Aguilon of “Dyaryo sa Radyo” on Radyo Inquirer 990AM, Hataman said there was a slow economic growth in the region because of security issues surrounding the region.

“Naging madalang ang investment [kasi] natatakot sila na masira ang kanilang investment. Kung mag kaka-peace agreement ang milf [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] at pamahalaan, siguradong sigurado tayo na ang investors ay talagang papasok (The investment came in trickles because businessmen are afraid. If there will be a peace agreement between MILF and the government, we’re sure of investors coming in),” Hataman said, boasting of the region’s potential in tourism and environmental resources.

He said visitors will surely enjoy the beautiful tourist spots in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi. In agriculture, ARMM also has potentials in rubber, rice,a nd other strategic minerals.

“Ang ibig sabihin ay magiging mabilis ang pag unlad.  So, habang bumubuti, mapapagtibay pa ang peace and order (That means progress will be speeded up. So if the situation get better, peace and order with be strengthened),” Hataman said.

The Philippine government and the country’s biggest Muslim rebel group MILF made history Sunday after President Benigno Aquino III announced that they have reached a “Framework Agreement” that would give birth to Bangsamoro.

For the full interview, listen to the attached audio clip from Radyo Inquirer 990 AM.