Zamboanga City LGU opposes petitions for BARMM inclusion

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The city government here will oppose petitions filed by residents of at least five barangays to be included in the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said she would present the position of the city government to the city council for approval before filing it with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Some residents of Barangays Busay, Landang Gua, Tumalutab, Arena Blanco and Cawit filed petitions to allow them to participate in the plebiscite to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

The local Comelec office said only one percent of the residents of Barangays Arena Blanco and Cawit signed the petitions.

The plebiscite will be held on Jan. 21 next year in the ARMM as well as in Balo-i, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal towns in Lanao del Norte and 39 barangays in Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Picgawayan and Pikit in North Cotabato, which will comprise the proposed BARMM.

Subject to the approval of the poll body, the plebiscite may also be held in contiguous local government units.

City legal officer Jesus Carbon also noted that Zamboanga City is not contiguous with the BARMM.