BAROY, Lanao del Norte — The province of Lanao del Norte is saying yes to Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) but no to the inclusion of its six municipalities in the proposed Bureau of Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) under BOL.
During a Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) forum in the municipality of Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, here recently, Gov. Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo said the six municipalities of Munai, Balo-i, Tagoloan, Pantar, Tangcal, and Nunungan serve as the buffer zones protecting the coastal municipalities where the national highways are located linking Zamboanga Peninsula to the rest of Mindanao in bringing commerce and trade.
She said these towns play a vital role in sustaining the peace and security of the entire province of Lanao del Norte and this is the reason why provincial leaders are against the inclusion of the six municipalities in the Barmm.
“I’m urging you to come out and vote and never be intimidated to cast your vote on this day. The unity between the Muslims and the Christians has made our province progressive,” Dimaporo said in her speech.
“Peace can only be achieved through good governance,” she added.
Vice Gov. Maria Cristina Atay also strongly opposed the inclusion of said municipalities together with 1st District Rep. Mohamad Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo and 2nd District Rep. Abdullah Dimakuta Dimaporo.
Meanwhile, Mayor Barry Baguio, the host town mayor, agreed on how important these municipalities are especially to the economic development and security of the province.
“If these municipalities will be separated from its mother province, the Internal Revenue Allotment of the province will be reduced and will affect the allocation of funds in providing the basic services to the remaining municipalities,” Baguio said.
Lawyers Junnieson Boniel, Kent Joel Cabilog, and Precy Jade Cheng were present to explain further BOL and Barmm and its effects to the province.
For these six municipalities to be excluded from Barmm, the provincial leaders need to win a double majority.
This means “NO” from Municipal level and “NO” from the provincial level.
Plebiscite for BOL in Lanao del Norte is on Feb. 6. (pia x)
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