JOLO, Sulu - Senators expressed alarm yesterday over the clamor of Sulu officials to bolt out of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), saying this might trigger hostilities reminiscent of the early 70s.
Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan said his province's 400,000 people should take part in the plebiscite on the proposed expansion of the autonomous set-up.
Under a proposed measure, Sulu and three other existing ARMM provinces -- Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur -- will no longer be included in the plebiscite.
Ten other southern provinces and cities within them are envisioned to comprise the expanded region.
Senators Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Rodolfo Biazon, Juan Flavier and Juan Ponce Enrile, however, said that should Sulu bolt out of the ARMM, this would project a negative image to Islamic countries that the government is not complying with its peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front.
The senators were here yesterday for consultations on proposed amendments to the ARMM's Organic Act.