ARMM chief names new acting Maguindanao governor to replace Ambolodto

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Ansaruddin Adiong has named a new acting provincial governor for Maguindanao and vowed to continue reforms in the troubled region, officials said Friday. Ali Macabalang, ARMM spokesman, said Gani Biruar, whose wife is the current Social Welfare Secretary in the autonomous region, was appointed acting Maguindanao governor this week to replace Nariman Ambolodto. Ambolodto served as acting governor since December last year after the November 23 massacre of 57 people, including at least 31 journalists. The massacre was blamed on leading members of the powerful Ampatuan clan, who had earlier held important seats in the autonomous region as well as in Maguindanao. The said members include Andal Ampatuan Sr., former Maguindanao governor; his son Zaldy Ampatuan, former regional governor; and his brother Andal Ampatuan Jr. who is the mayor of Datu Unsay Ampatuan town. According to Macabalang, Gani Biruar’s appointment came after a careful selection among those nominated for the post. “This is part of the continuing reforms in the Muslim autonomous region to better serve our people," he said. Ambolodto, a member of President Gloria Arroyo’s political coalition, Lakas-Kampi-CMD, was replaced days after she was accused of supporting opposition senator Benigno Aquino III who is running for the presidency, instead of former Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro. Ambolodto’s loyalty to Adiong was also doubted by senior regional officials, but she denied all the allegations and said she is not seeking any elective posts and only wanted to serve her people well.—Al Jacinto/JV, GMANews.TV