The
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (abbreviated
ARMM) is the
regionIn the Philippines, regions are administrative division that serve primarily to organize the 80 provinces for administrative convenience...
of the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
that is composed of all the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
' predominantly
MuslimIslam is the oldest recorded monotheistic religion in the Philippines. Islam reached the islands between the 12th and 14th century with the arrival of Arab traders and muslim settlers from several sultanates in the Malay Archipelago. Arab missionaries from Saudi Arabia brought Islam to the...
provincesThe provinces of the Philippines are the primary administrative divisions of the Philippines. There are 80 provinces, further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. The National Capital Region as well as independent cities are autonomous from any provincial government...
, namely:
BasilanBasilan is an island province of the Philippines most of which is located within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , except its capital, Isabela City, which is administered as part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region...
(except
Isabela CityIsabela City is a 5th class city and the capital of the province of Basilan, Philippines. The city is located on the northern shore of Basilan. Across the Basilan Strait to the north is Zamboanga City...
),
Lanao del SurLanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf...
,
MaguindanaoMaguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.-Geography:...
,
SuluSulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.-History:The advent of Islam around...
and
Tawi-TawiTawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
, and the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
' only predominantly Muslim
cityA city is a tier of local government in the Philippines. All Philippine cities are chartered cities, whose existence as corporate and administrative entities is governed by their own specific charters in addition to the Local Government Code of 1991, which specifies the administrative structure and...
, the Islamic City of Marawi. It is the only
regionIn the Philippines, regions are administrative division that serve primarily to organize the 80 provinces for administrative convenience...
that has its own government. The regional capital is at
Cotabato CityThe City of Cotabato is one of the cities of the Philippines located in Mindanao. Cotabato City is an exclave of the SOCCSKSARGEN region found within the boundaries of Maguindanao province, but is independent of that province...
, although this
cityA city is a tier of local government in the Philippines. All Philippine cities are chartered cities, whose existence as corporate and administrative entities is governed by their own specific charters in addition to the Local Government Code of 1991, which specifies the administrative structure and...
is outside of its jurisdiction. The ARMM previously included the province of
Shariff KabunsuanShariff Kabunsuan was a province of the Philippines within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that existed from 2006 to 2008. The law establishing the province was nullified by the Philippine Supreme Court in 2008.-History:...
until July 16, 2008, when Shariff Kabunsuan ceased to exist as a
provinceA province is a territorial unit, almost always an administrative division, within a country or state.-Roman provinces:The word is attested in English since c.1330, deriving from Old French province , which comes from the Latin word provincia, which referred to the sphere of activity which a...
after the Supreme Court in
Sema v. ComelecSema v. COMELEC is a court case that was heard before the Supreme Court of the Philippines. It was consolidated with Marquez v. Comelec . It held that the Regional Assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao does not have the power to create provinces and cities...
declared unconstitutional the "Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 201", which created it.
On July 18, 2008, Hermogenes Esperon, "peace advisor" to Philippine President
Gloria Macapagal-ArroyoMaria Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the fourteenth and current president of the Philippines. Arroyo is the country's second female president, and the daughter of late former Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal....
, announced a further expansion of the ARMM in line with an agreement reached between the Philippine government and the
Moro Islamic Liberation FrontThe Moro Islamic Liberation Front is an Islamist group located in the southern Philippines. It is one of two Islamic military groups, the other being the Abu Sayyaf, that claim belligerency against the Government of the Philippines, the United States and its supporters for political corruption...
. The deal, concluded after nearly six years of dialogue, gives the ARMM control of an additional 712 villages on the island of
MindanaoMindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also one of the three island groups in the country, along with Luzon and Visayas...
, as well as far-reaching political and economic powers. Negotiations to finalize the agreement continue.
Massive protests, however, have greeted the move of the GRP and MILF panels in signing a Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain as a majority of the Local Government Units where these Barangays are connected have already opted not to join the ARMM in two instances, 1989 and 2001. Finally, on October 14, 2008, the
Supreme Court of the PhilippinesThe Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
, by a highly divided vote of 8–7, declared “contrary to law and the Constitution” the
Memorandum of AgreementA memorandum of agreement or cooperative agreement is a document written between parties to cooperatively work together on an agreed upon project or meet an agreed upon objective. The purpose of an MOA is to have a written understanding of the agreement between parties.An MOA is a good tool to use...
on the Ancestral Domain Aspect (MOA-AD) of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP)-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
Tripoli AgreementThe Tripoli Agreement was signed on February 8, 2006, by Chadian President Idriss Déby, Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, and Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, effectively ending the Chadian-Sudanese conflict that has devastated border towns in eastern Chad and the Darfur region of western...
on Peace of 2001. The 89-page
decisionThe term decision may refer to:* Decision, as the outcome of a legal case* Decision , a statistical credit earned by a baseball pitcher.* Decision making...
of
Conchita Carpio-MoralesConchita Carpio-Morales is an incumbent Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. She was appointed to the Court by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on September 3, 2002. She is married to Director Eugenio T. Morales, Jr...
ruled: “In sum, the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process committed grave abuse of discretion when he failed to carry out the pertinent consultation process, as mandated by EO No. 3, RA 7160, and RA 8371. The furtive process by which the MOA-AD was designed and crafted runs contrary to and in excess of the legal authority, and amounts to a whimsical, capricious, oppressive, arbitrary and despotic exercise thereof. It illustrates a gross evasion of positive duty and a virtual refusal to perform the duty enjoined.”
Geography
The
regionIn the Philippines, regions are administrative division that serve primarily to organize the 80 provinces for administrative convenience...
is divided into two geographical areas – the
MindanaoMindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also one of the three island groups in the country, along with Luzon and Visayas...
mainland and the
Sulu ArchipelagoSulu Archipelago is an island chain in the southwest Philippines. It is considered to be part of Moroland by the local independence movement. With the centers in Maimbung and Jolo, the whole of this archipelago, Palawan and coastal regions of the Zamboanga Peninsula and North Borneo used to be...
.
Lanao del SurLanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf...
,
MaguindanaoMaguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.-Geography:...
and
Shariff KabunsuanShariff Kabunsuan was a province of the Philippines within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that existed from 2006 to 2008. The law establishing the province was nullified by the Philippine Supreme Court in 2008.-History:...
are situated in the
MindanaoMindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also one of the three island groups in the country, along with Luzon and Visayas...
mainland, while
BasilanBasilan is an island province of the Philippines most of which is located within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , except its capital, Isabela City, which is administered as part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region...
,
SuluSulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.-History:The advent of Islam around...
and
Tawi-TawiTawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
are located within the
Sulu ArchipelagoSulu Archipelago is an island chain in the southwest Philippines. It is considered to be part of Moroland by the local independence movement. With the centers in Maimbung and Jolo, the whole of this archipelago, Palawan and coastal regions of the Zamboanga Peninsula and North Borneo used to be...
. ARMM covers a total of 12,288 km².
Provinces
| Province The provinces of the Philippines are the primary administrative divisions of the Philippines. There are 80 provinces, further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. The National Capital Region as well as independent cities are autonomous from any provincial government...
| Capital | Population
(2000) | Area
(km²) | Pop. density
(per km²) |
|---|
BasilanBasilan is an island province of the Philippines most of which is located within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , except its capital, Isabela City, which is administered as part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region...
|
Isabela CityIsabela City is a 5th class city and the capital of the province of Basilan, Philippines. The city is located on the northern shore of Basilan. Across the Basilan Strait to the north is Zamboanga City...
|
408,520 |
1,994.1 |
204.9 |
| Lanao del Sur Lanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf...
|
Marawi City |
1,138,544 |
12,051.9 |
94.5 |
MaguindanaoMaguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.-Geography:...
|
Shariff Aguak Shariff Aguak is municipality in the province of Maguindanao, Philippines. It is the capital municipality of Maguindanao.On July 30, 2009, upon the ratification of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Acts No...
|
1,273,715 |
7,142.0 |
178.3 |
| Sulu Sulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.-History:The advent of Islam around...
|
JoloJolo is located on Jolo Island. Jolo is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Sulu, Philippines. Jolo is the capital municipality of the Sulu province. The island of Jolo is the second largest island in the Sulu Archipelago after Basilan Island. The island is bounded by the Sulu Sea to the...
|
849,670 |
2,135.3 |
397.9 |
| Tawi-Tawi Tawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
|
Panglima Sugala Panglima Sugala is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Tawi-Tawi, Philippines. It is the capital municipality of Tawi-Tawi. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 33,315 people in 5,406 households.-Barangays:...
|
450,346 |
3,426.6 |
131.4 |
History
For the most part of the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
' history, the region and most of
MindanaoMindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also one of the three island groups in the country, along with Luzon and Visayas...
has been a separate territory, which enabled it to develop its own culture and identity. The region has been the traditional homeland of Muslim Filipinos since the 15th century, even before the arrival of the
SpanishSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.
[The Spanish constitution does not establish any official denomination of the country, even though España , Estado español and Nación española are used interchangeably...]
who colonized most of the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
beginning 1565.
ArabArab people or Arabs are an ethnic group whose members identify along linguistic, cultural or genealogical grounds...
missionaries arrived in
Tawi-TawiTawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
in 1380 and started the conversion of the native population into
IslamIslam Islam Islam ( al-’islām,
[There are ten pronunciations of Islam in English, differing in whether the first or second syllable has the stress, whether the s is or , and whether the a is pronounced as in father, as in cat, or (when the stress is on the i) as in the a of sofa...]
. In 1457, the Sultanate of Sulu was founded and not long after were the sultanates of Maguindanao and Buayan established. At the time when most of the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
was under
Spanish ruleThe Spanish Empire was one of the largest empires in world history, and one of the first global empires. It included territories and colonies in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania, from the 15th century through—in the case of its African holdings—the latter portion of the 20th century...
, these sultanates maintained their independence and regularly challenged
SpanishSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.
[The Spanish constitution does not establish any official denomination of the country, even though España , Estado español and Nación española are used interchangeably...]
domination of the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
by conducting raids on
SpanishSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.
[The Spanish constitution does not establish any official denomination of the country, even though España , Estado español and Nación española are used interchangeably...]
coastal towns in the north and repulsing repeated
SpanishSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.
[The Spanish constitution does not establish any official denomination of the country, even though España , Estado español and Nación española are used interchangeably...]
incursions in their territory. It was not until the last quarter of the 19th century that the Sultanate of Sulu formally recognized
Spanish sovereigntyThe Spanish Empire was one of the largest empires in world history, and one of the first global empires. It included territories and colonies in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania, from the 15th century through—in the case of its African holdings—the latter portion of the 20th century...
, however these areas remained loosely controlled by the
SpanishSpain , officially the Kingdom of Spain , is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.
[The Spanish constitution does not establish any official denomination of the country, even though España , Estado español and Nación española are used interchangeably...]
as sovereignty was only limited to military stations and garrisons and pockets of civilian settlements in Zamboanga and
CotabatoCotabato, formerly North Cotabato, is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao...
, until they had to abandon the region as a consequence of their defeat in the
Spanish-American WarThe Spanish–American War was an armed military conflict between Spain and the United States that took place between April and August 1898, over the issues of the liberation of Cuba. The war began after American demands for the resolution of the Cuban fight for independence were rejected by Spain...
.
In 1942, during the early stages of
Pacific WarThe Pacific War was the part of World War II—and preceding conflicts—that took place in the Pacific Ocean, its islands, and in East Asia. The war began as a conflict with the Empire of Japan and the Republic of China on July 7, 1937, but by December 1941, became part of the greater World War II,...
(a theater of the
Second World WarWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including all great powers, organized into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, troops of the Japanese Imperial Forces invaded and overran Mindanao and the ARMM. 3 years later, in 1945,
United StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and
FilipinoThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
troops landed in Mindanao, and, with the help of local Filipino guerrillas, ultimately defeated the Japanese forces occupying the region.
ARMM's precursors
1970s escalating hostilities between government forces and the MNLF prompted
Ferdinand MarcosFerdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos was President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate . He was Senate President in 1963...
to issue a proclamation forming an Autonomous Region in the Southern Philippines, which was however, turned down by a plebiscite. In 1979, Batas Pambansa No. 20 created the Regional Autonomous Government in Western and Central Mindanao regions.
Establishment of the ARMM
The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao region was first created on August 1, 1989 through Republic Act No. 6734 otherwise known as the Organic Act in pursuance with a constitutional mandate to provide for an autonomous area in Muslim Mindanao.
A plebiscite was held in the provinces of
BasilanBasilan is an island province of the Philippines most of which is located within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , except its capital, Isabela City, which is administered as part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region...
,
CotabatoCotabato, formerly North Cotabato, is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao...
,
Davao del SurDavao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Davao Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Digos City and the province borders the Davao City to the north, and Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani to the west...
,
Lanao del NorteLanao del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Tubod. The province borders Lanao del Sur to the south, Zamboanga del Sur to the west, Misamis Oriental to the northeast, Bukidnon to the east, and is separated from Misamis Occidental by Iligan...
,
Lanao del SurLanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf...
,
MaguindanaoMaguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.-Geography:...
,
PalawanPalawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. It...
,
South CotabatoSouth Cotabato is a province of the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao. Its capital is Koronadal City, and it borders Sultan Kudarat to the north and west, Sarangani to the south and east, and Davao del Sur to the east...
, Sultan Kudarat,
SuluSulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.-History:The advent of Islam around...
,
Tawi-TawiTawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
,
Zamboanga del NorteZamboanga del Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. Its capital is Dipolog City and the province borders Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay to the south and Misamis Occidental to the east...
and
Zamboanga del SurZamboanga del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao.Pagadian City is the capital, which is also the Center of Region IX. The province borders Zamboanga del Norte to the north, Zamboanga Sibugay to the west, Misamis Occidental to the northeast,...
; and in the cities of
CotabatoThe City of Cotabato is one of the cities of the Philippines located in Mindanao. Cotabato City is an exclave of the SOCCSKSARGEN region found within the boundaries of Maguindanao province, but is independent of that province...
,
DapitanThe City of Dapitan is a 2nd class city in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 68,178 people in 13,560 households...
,
DipologDipolog is a 2nd class city and the capital of the province of Zamboanga del Norte on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Geographically, the city is surrounded by rolling hills to the southeast and the Sulu Sea to the north....
,
General SantosThe City of General Santos is a city in the Philippines. Situated in the southern part of the country, in the province of South Cotabato...
,
IliganThe City of Iligan is a highly urbanized city north of the province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines, and the province's former capital. It is approximately 795 kilometers southeast of Manila...
, Marawi,
PagadianPagadian City is located in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. It houses the regional government seat of Zamboanga Peninsula and is one of the poor cities in the island of Mindanao....
,
Puerto PrincesaThe City of Puerto Princesa , the capital of Palawan, is a first class city in the Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 210,508 people in 33,306 households. It is famous for its crocodile farms, underground rivers and dive spots. It is also the largest city in the...
and
ZamboangaThe City of Zamboanga is located at the southernmost tip of Mindanao in the Philippines. It comprises of the southernmost portion of the Zamboanga Peninsula, extending from the northwestern part of Mindanao...
to determine if the residents would want to be part of the ARMM.
Of the areas where the plebiscites were held only
Lanao del SurLanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf...
,
MaguindanaoMaguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.-Geography:...
,
SuluSulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.-History:The advent of Islam around...
and
Tawi-TawiTawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
voted favorably for inclusion in the new autonomous region. The ARMM was officially inaugurated on November 6, 1990 in
Cotabato CityThe City of Cotabato is one of the cities of the Philippines located in Mindanao. Cotabato City is an exclave of the SOCCSKSARGEN region found within the boundaries of Maguindanao province, but is independent of that province...
, which was designated as its provisional capital.
In 2001 a new law, RA 9054, was passed for the expansion of the ARMM to include the areas which initially rejected inclusion and the provinces which were carved from them, however only Marawi City and
BasilanBasilan is an island province of the Philippines most of which is located within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , except its capital, Isabela City, which is administered as part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region...
with the exception of
Isabela CityIsabela City is a 5th class city and the capital of the province of Basilan, Philippines. The city is located on the northern shore of Basilan. Across the Basilan Strait to the north is Zamboanga City...
opted to be integrated in the region.
RA 9054 lapsed into law, without the signature of President
Gloria Macapagal-ArroyoMaria Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the fourteenth and current president of the Philippines. Arroyo is the country's second female president, and the daughter of late former Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal....
. In 2006, a new province was carved out of
MaguindanaoMaguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.-Geography:...
:
Shariff KabunsuanShariff Kabunsuan was a province of the Philippines within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao that existed from 2006 to 2008. The law establishing the province was nullified by the Philippine Supreme Court in 2008.-History:...
, the 6th province of ARMM, joining Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan. In July 2008, however,
Sema v. ComelecSema v. COMELEC is a court case that was heard before the Supreme Court of the Philippines. It was consolidated with Marquez v. Comelec . It held that the Regional Assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao does not have the power to create provinces and cities...
voided the creation of Shariff Kabunsuan. The
Supreme Court of the PhilippinesThe Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
declared unconstitutional a section in RA 9054 which granted the ARMM Regional Assembly the power to create provinces and cities. The Comelec ruled that the Supreme Court’s ruling has no effect on the ARMM elections as the decision is not yet final.
Executive
The region is headed by a Regional Governor. The Regional Governor and Regional Vice Governor are elected directly like regular local executives. Regional ordinances are created by the Regional Assembly, composed of Assemblymen, also elected by direct vote. Regional elections are usually held one year after general elections (national and local) depending on what legislation from the Philippine Congress. Regional officials have a fixed term of three years, which can be extended by an act of Congress.
The Regional Governor is the chief executive of the regional government, and is assisted by a cabinet not exceeding 10 members. He appoints the members of the cabinet, subject to confirmation by the Regional Legislative Assembly. He has control of all the regional executive commissions, agencies, boards, bureaus and offices.
Executive Council
The executive council advises the Regional Governor on matters of governance of the autonomous region. It is composed of the regional governor, 1 regional vice governor, and 3 deputy regional governors (each representing the Christians, the Muslims, and the indigenous cultural communities). The regional governor and regional vice governor have a 3-year term, maximum of 3 terms; deputies' terms are co-terminus with the term of the regional governor who appointed them.
| Term |
Governor |
Party |
Vice Governor |
Party |
| 1990–1993 |
Zacaria Candao |
Lakas-NUCDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
Benjamin Loong |
Lakas-NUCDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| 1993–1996 |
Lininding Pangandaman |
Lakas-NUCD-UMDPLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
Nabil Tan |
Lakas-NUCD-UMDPLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| 1996–2002 |
Nurallaj Misuari |
Lakas-NUCD-UMDPLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
Guimid P. Matalam |
Lakas-NUCD-UMDPLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| 2001 |
| Lakas-NUCD-UMDPLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
|
|
| 2001–2005 |
Parouk S. Hussin |
Lakas-NUCD-UMDPLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
Mahid M. Mutilan |
Lakas-NUCD-UMDPLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| 2005–present |
Zaldy Ampatuan Zaldy Ampatuan was elected Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on August 8, 2005. He is a member of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats....
|
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
Ansaruddin-Abdulmalik A. Adiong |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
Legislative
The ARMM has a unicameral
Regional Legislative AssemblyThe Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao has a unicameral Regional Legislative Assembly headed by a Speaker. It is composed of three members for every congressional district...
headed by a Speaker. It is composed of three members for every
congressional districtThe House of Representatives of the Philippines is the lower chamber of the Congress of the Philippines. The Senate is the upper chamber. The House is often informally called the Congress. Members of the house are called Congressmen and their title is Representative...
. The current membership is 24, where 6 are from
Lanao del SurLanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf...
including Marawi City, 6 from
MaguindanaoMaguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.-Geography:...
, 6 from
SuluSulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.-History:The advent of Islam around...
, 3 from
BasilanBasilan is an island province of the Philippines most of which is located within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , except its capital, Isabela City, which is administered as part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region...
and 3 from
Tawi-TawiTawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
.
| Province |
District |
Assemblyman |
Party |
BasilanBasilan is an island province of the Philippines most of which is located within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , except its capital, Isabela City, which is administered as part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region...
|
Lone |
Rajam M. Akbar |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Bonnie Abdulaziz C. Balamo |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Hatimil E. Hassan |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Lanao del Sur Lanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf...
|
1st |
Samer M.U. Salic |
independent |
| Suhaylah R.P.M. Salic |
independent |
| Paisalin P. Tago |
LiberalThe Liberal Party of the Philippines is a liberal party in the Philippines, founded on November 24, 1945 by a breakaway from the Nacionalista Party. As such it is the second-oldest political party in the Philippines in terms of establishment, and the oldest active political party in the Philippines...
|
| 2nd |
Bai Rasmia Salic Romato |
Lakas-Ompia |
| Yasser A. Balindong |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Alex Menor |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
MaguindanaoMaguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.-Geography:...
|
1st |
Jackson M. Bandila |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Roonie Q. Sinsuat |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Bongarsa D. Tomawis, Jr. |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| 2nd |
Umbrah A. Datumanong |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Khadafeh G. Mangudadatu |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Pike T. Mentang |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Sulu Sulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.-History:The advent of Islam around...
|
1st |
Abraham T. Burahan |
LiberalThe Liberal Party of the Philippines is a liberal party in the Philippines, founded on November 24, 1945 by a breakaway from the Nacionalista Party. As such it is the second-oldest political party in the Philippines in terms of establishment, and the oldest active political party in the Philippines...
|
| Alhabsi M. Hassan |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Garcia D. Tingkahan |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| 2nd |
Nashruper T. Daud |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Maulana M. Omar |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Nurwiza S. Tulawie |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
| Tawi-Tawi Tawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
|
Lone |
Romel Y. Matba |
independent |
| Shameera S. Matolo |
LiberalThe Liberal Party of the Philippines is a liberal party in the Philippines, founded on November 24, 1945 by a breakaway from the Nacionalista Party. As such it is the second-oldest political party in the Philippines in terms of establishment, and the oldest active political party in the Philippines...
|
| Rejie M. Sahali |
Lakas-CMDLakas-CMD , popularly known as Lakas, was the current ruling political party in the Philippines. Its ideology is heavily influenced by Christian and Islamic democracy, and by Populism...
|
The
Regional Legislative AssemblyThe Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao has a unicameral Regional Legislative Assembly headed by a Speaker. It is composed of three members for every congressional district...
is the legislative branch of the ARMM government. The regular members (3 members/district) and sectoral representatives, have 3-year terms; maximum of 3 consecutive terms. It exercises legislative power in the autonomous region, except on the following matters: foreign affairs, national defense and security, postal service, coinage and fiscal and monetary policies, administration of justice, quarantine, customs and tariff, citizenship, naturalization, immigration and deportation, general auditing, national elections, maritime, land and air transportation, communications, patents, trademarks, trade names and copyrights, foreign trade, and may legislate on matters covered by the Shari’ah , the law governing Muslims.
ARMM powers and basic principles
RA 9054 provides that ARMM "shall remain an integral and inseparable part of the national territory of the Republic." The President exercises general supervision over the Regional Governor. The Regional Government has the power to create its own sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees, and charges, subject to Constitutional provisions and the provisions of RA 9054. The Shariah applies only to Muslims; its applications are limited by pertinent constitutional provisions (prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment).
http://www.armm.gov.ph/
Economy
The region is one of the most impoverished areas in the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
. It has a per capita gross regional domestic product of only PhP3,433 in 2005, 75.8 percent lower than the national average of PhP14,186. It is the lowest among the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
' 17
regionsIn the Philippines, regions are administrative division that serve primarily to organize the 80 provinces for administrative convenience...
, the second lowest
regionIn the Philippines, regions are administrative division that serve primarily to organize the 80 provinces for administrative convenience...
has a per capita income almost double the ARMM's. ARMM has a population of 4.1 million based on the 2007 census. It is the country's poorest region, where average annual income was just 89,000 pesos ($ 2,025) in 2006, less than 1/3 of Manila level.
Poverty incidence in the region is a high 45.4 percent in 2003, almost twice the national average of 24.4 percent. Significant progress has been made in reducing poverty in the region, which was reduced by 10.5 percent from the 2000 figure, only the
CaragaCaraga is an administrative region of the Philippines, on the northeastern portion of the island of Mindanao. It is the newest region in the Philippines, and is also called Region XIII. The Caraga Region was created through Republic Act No. 7901 on February 25 1995...
region has a higher poverty incidence in 2003.
Lanao del SurLanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf...
reduced its povery incidence by as much as 26.9 percent, placing itself as the 12th most successful
provinceThe provinces of the Philippines are the primary administrative divisions of the Philippines. There are 80 provinces, further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. The National Capital Region as well as independent cities are autonomous from any provincial government...
in
poverty reductionPoverty has historically been accepted as inevitable as non-industrialized economies produced very little and the population grew almost as fast as the economy. Poverty reduction, or poverty alleviation, has been largely as a result of overall economic growth...
.
Tawi-TawiTawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
and
SuluSulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.-History:The advent of Islam around...
have reduced their figures by 18 and 17.6 percent, respectively. In 2000, all the four
provincesThe provinces of the Philippines are the primary administrative divisions of the Philippines. There are 80 provinces, further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. The National Capital Region as well as independent cities are autonomous from any provincial government...
of the ARMM were among the 10 poorest in the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
. By 2003,
Lanao del SurLanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf...
,
SuluSulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.-History:The advent of Islam around...
and
Tawi-TawiTawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
were out of the bottom 10, leaving only
MaguindanaoMaguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.-Geography:...
, which remains to be the second poorest or the second with the highest incidence of poverty among the
PhilippinesThe Philippines officially known as the Republic of the Philippines, is a country in Southeast Asia with Manila as its capital city. It comprises 7,107 islands in the western Pacific Ocean....
'
provincesThe provinces of the Philippines are the primary administrative divisions of the Philippines. There are 80 provinces, further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. The National Capital Region as well as independent cities are autonomous from any provincial government...
.
| Province The provinces of the Philippines are the primary administrative divisions of the Philippines. There are 80 provinces, further subdivided into component cities and municipalities. The National Capital Region as well as independent cities are autonomous from any provincial government...
|
Poverty Incidence |
| 2003 |
2000 |
| Percent |
| Percent |
|
BasilanBasilan is an island province of the Philippines most of which is located within the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , except its capital, Isabela City, which is administered as part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region...
|
33.5 |
40 |
31.5 |
31 |
| Lanao del Sur Lanao del Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Marawi City and borders Lanao del Norte to the north, Bukidnon to the east, and Maguindanao and Cotabato to the south. To the southwest lies Illana Bay, an arm of the Moro Gulf...
|
37.6 |
56 |
54.7 |
73 |
MaguindanaoMaguindanao is a province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Shariff Aguak. It borders Lanao del Sur to the north, Cotabato to the east, and Sultan Kudarat to the south.-Geography:...
|
60.4 |
78 |
59.3 |
76 |
| Sulu Sulu is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . Its capital is Jolo and occupies the middle group of islands of the Sulu Archipelago, between Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. It is home to the historical Sultanate of Sulu.-History:The advent of Islam around...
|
45.1 |
67 |
58.9 |
75 |
| Tawi-Tawi Tawi-Tawi is an island province of the Philippines located in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao . The capital of Tawi-Tawi is Bongao. The province is the southernmost of the country sharing sea borders with the Malaysian State of Sabah and the Indonesian Kalimantan province. To the northeast...
|
34.6 |
49 |
52.4 |
70 |
Despite its "autonomous" nature, the ARMM receives approximately 98% of its operating revenue from the National Government of the Philippines, and has yet to create significant, viable sources of additional revenue. Perhaps for this reason, the per capita spending on such vital services as education and infrastructure are among the lowest in the Philippines, and the five provinces of the ARMM continue to be ranked consistently on the lower rungs of economic development within the country. The per student expenditure on education, for example, is less than $100, with the result that students within ARMM schools generally score poorly, in comparison with other provinces, on standardized achievement tests administered throughout the country.
ARMM is one of the country's top producers of fish and marine resources, particularly
seaweedSeaweedSeaweed has antioxidents. Is a loose colloquial term encompassing macroscopic, multicellular, benthic marine algae. The term includes some members of the red, brown and green algae...
, which is used in some toothpastes, cosmetics and paints. It has large mineral deposits, including copper and gold.
Cultural Heritage
The native Maguindanaon and other native Muslim/non-Muslim groups have a culture that revolves around
kulintangKulintang is a modern term for an ancient instrumental form of music composed on a row of small, horizontally-laid gongs that function melodically, accompanied by larger, suspended gongs and drums...
music, a specific type of gong music, found among both Muslim and non-Muslim groups of the Southern Philippines.
External links