ARMM cabinet convenes today

MANILA, Philippines - Acting Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Ansarudin Adiong will convene the ARMM cabinet today to discuss the resumption of regional governance, which was virtually suspended because of the security situation in Maguindanao.

Adiong is expected to discuss the completion of existing infrastructure projects, delivery of health services, improvement of education, reduction of poverty, institutional building and sustenance in local governance, enhancement of peace and security, and the protection of the environment.

“I shall also look into the reconciliation of feuding clans in the autonomous region as part of an effort to ensure a peaceful and orderly elections in the region next year,” Adiong said.

Secretaries supporting detained ARMM Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan have not confirmed attendance to the meeting, which will be held at the Office of the Regional Director (ORG) in the ARMM complex in Cotabato.

Military sources earlier said they have placed under tight surveillance several regional secretaries loyal to the Ampatuans.

Many ARMM regional secretaries have not reported to their offices after the infamous Nov. 23 Maguindanao massacre. 

Heavily armed police officers from Region 11 now patrol the surroundings of the ORG after the Ampatuan-controlled militia guarding the 32-hectare ARMM complex disappeared when heads of the family were arrested in connection to the massacre.

Last week, regional police recovered 20 firearms used by the militia in a septic tank near the house of their commander, a certain Macapagal Kamendan, also known as Commander Marlboro.

Kamendan is known for his “canine” loyalty to Ampatuan patriarch former Maguindanao governor Datu Andal Ampatuan Sr.

The 40-year-old Adiong belongs to a Maranaw clan bigger than the Ampatuan clan. His father, the late engineer Mamintal Adiong Sr. was a three-term representative of Lanao del Sur and former governor of the province. His brother, engineer Mamintal Adiong Jr. is the incumbent Lanao del Sur governor.