Filtered By: Topstories
News

Zaldy Ampatuan replaced as ARMM gov


(Updated - 1:46 pm) The government has filled the gubernatorial post in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) that was left by Zaldy Ampatuan after he was suspended and later slapped with rebellion charges in connection with the November 23 massacre in Maguindanao. On Thursday, ARMM vice governor Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong was sworn in as acting governor of the region by Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno, who was authorized to exercise administrative control over the region including the power to suspend local officials suspected having a hand in the killings. The appointment came a day after Sen. Aquilino “Nene" Pimentel, principal author of the ARMM Organic Act, urged Alonto-Adiong to immediately take over Ampatuan’s post even without a go-signal from Malacañang to prevent disruptions in the region's operations.
DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno administers the oath to ARMM Vice Gov. Ansarrodin Adiong as the new ARMM governor Thursday at Camp Crame. Mark Adrian
In his acceptance speech, Alonto-Adiong said that his "oath is an affirmation of our faith in the supremacy of the law and the belief of our people in civilian authority." Like Zaldy, Alonto-Adiong is a member of the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Zaldy and Adiong served as ARMM governor and vice governor, respectively, from 2005 to 2008. They were reelected for their second terms in the region’s automated polls in 2008.
DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno and ARMM Vice Gov. Ansarrodin Adiong, right, arrive at Camp Crame Thursday for Adiong's oathtaking as new ARMM governor. GMANews.TV
Most administration candidates won in the ARMM during the 2004 and 2007 elections. The region is composed of Basilan (except Isabela City), Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Marawi City. All ARMM provinces were mentioned in the “Hello Garci" wiretapped conversations where a woman presumed to be Mrs. Arroyo discussed the rigging of the 2004 election returns with a man presumed to be former Commission on Elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano. - Sophia M. Dedace/TJD, GMANews.TV
LOADING CONTENT