ARMM Human Rights law approved

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Acting Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Mujiv Hataman signed Tuesday the ARMM’s Human Rights Act, a regional law meant to complement the humanitarian components of the national government’s Southern peace process.

The law, officially known as Muslim Mindanao Act 288, was enacted last week by the 27 appointed members of the Regional Assembly.

Hataman signed the law in the presence of members of the Regional Assembly led by Speaker Rasol Mitmug Jr.

Hataman and Mitmug said MMA 288, which they both labeled as “landmark” legislation as it seeks to address human rights abuses in the conflict-stricken areas of the autonomous region.

Mitmug, a lawyer, said he is optimistic MMA 288 will bolster the government’s effort to strengthen the justice system in the ARMM’s geographically-scattered provinces of the Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, which are both in Central Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.

Also approved by Hataman, along with MMA 288, was the Regional Public Works Act, or MMM 298 which is the basis for the allocation of funds for next year’s infrastructure projects in the region.

Assemblywoman Samira Tomawis, the lone representative of the ARMM’s women to the Regional Assembly, said MMA 289 will ensure the proper dispensation of public works and the transparent implementation of projects in the autonomous region.

The two regional laws were the first to be enacted by regional legislators who were appointed by President Aquino nearly two months ago.

The region’s 27 representatives will act as members of the ARMM’s law-making body until a new set of duly elected legislators assume on June 30 next year, after the synchronized local, regional and senatorial elections. – John Unson