Iligan seen to vote ‘no’ in plebiscite on ARMM

ILIGAN CITY — The residents of this city who opted not to join the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the 1996 plebiscite, are again poised to vote "no" in the Aug. 14, plebiscite.

As the information campaign being conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the city government, and the Philippine Information Agency goes full blast, different sectors here held their own rallies and gatherings to campaign for the "no" vote.

A group calling themselves the "Anti" movement staged a rally yesterday morning at the public plaza, urging the people to vote "no." Placards appealing for the "no" vote were placed at various strategic places in the city.

Former councilor Dr. Chonilo Ruiz, convenor of the "Pagmata Movement" (Wake Up movement) who opposed the creation of the Southern Philippine Council for Peace and Development (SPCPD) in 1996, called on the residents to vote "no."

"There is no need to include Iligan City in the expanded ARMM," he said.

Special assistant to the city mayor, Romeo Nabua, a former councilor, said: "Iligan City had decided in 1996 not to join ARMM, I believe the people will still vote ‘no’ on Aug. 14."

Listener participation in a radio program aired over dxRJ here showed most of the callers oppose the inclusion of this city in the ARMM.

Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo of the 2nd District of Lanao del Norte said he will listen to the voice of the people in deciding if the province will join the ARMM. — Lino dela Cruz