Maguindanao residents okay 3 new towns

COTABATO CITY , Philippines   – Residents in the second district of Maguindanao voted overwhelmingly in favor of the creation of three more towns during a plebiscite last Thursday, poll officials said.

“We are done with our examination and tabulation of the results of the plebiscite last Thursday and it was an overwhelming ‘yes’ by voters residing in the areas where these new towns are to rise,” said Estrellita Orbase, acting provincial election supervisor.

Orbase said the plebiscite resulted in the ratification of three regional laws creating the municipalities of Datu Hofer, Datu Salibo, and Shariff Saidona Mustapha.

The 24-seat Regional Assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao enacted the laws almost two years ago.

ARMM election director Ray Sumalipao said the plebiscite was orderly and peaceful.