GMA’s bet proclaimed new ARMM governor

President Arroyo’s candidate Dr. Parouk Hussin is the new governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The Commission on Elections Regional Board of Canvassers (RBOC) proclaimed Hussin the winner of the Nov. 26 polls yesterday after completing the tally at the Comelec’s main office in Intramuros, Manila.

The President’s endorsement of Hussin was a key factor in the brief revolt staged shortly before the elections by former ARMM Gov. Nur Misuari, who is now detained in Malaysia for illegal entry.

Hussin, administration candidate from the Lakas NUCD-UMDP, garnered a total of 585,435 votes. His closest rival, Ibrahim Paglas III, an independent candidate, garnered 237,868 votes.

For vice governor, administration candidate Mahid Mutilan of the Lakas NUCD-UMDP emerged victorious, garnering a total of 549,705 votes. His closest rival, Benjamin Loong, an independent, garnered 247,432 votes.

ARMM, ruled by renegade governor Nur Misuari since 1996, is made up of the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and the city of Marawi. A total 145 candidates vied for 26 posts at stake, including governor and vice governor.

The RBOC is composed of Deputy Executive Director for Operations (DEDO) Pio Jose Joson, chairman; Miguel Gudgio Jr., of the Department of Justice (DOJ), vice chairman; and Macur Marohombsar, of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), secretary. – Sandy Araneta