All policemen guarding ARMM compound replaced

COTABATO CITY — The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police have replaced all of its members guarding the regional compound here, mostly relatives of the region’s former caretaker, Speaker Alvarez Isnaji, as part of security measures for the Jan. 5 visit of President Arroyo.

"The entire security contingent guarding the ARMM compound has been relieved and replaced with an entirely new contingent whose members are not related either to the former regional officials or to the incoming newly elected officials," said Chief Superintendent Acmad Omar, regional police director.

Although the region’s new governor, Dr. Parouk Hussin, assumed his post last Dec. 4 yet, President Arroyo will officiate at his installation here on Jan. 5.

The ARMM’s rank and file earlier urged the regional police and the Army’s 6th Infantry Division to deploy an ample security force at the 32-hectare regional compound and restrain recalcitrant followers of former Gov. Nur Misuari, who previously had refused to vacate their positions.

Isnaji and his subordinates earlier managed to secure a temporary restraining order that prevented Hussin from discharging his functions as the new governor for three days. The Court of Appeals, however, later invalidated the court’s order.

Hussin, guarded by dozens of policemen and soldiers, reported to the governor’s office last Thursday and held a dialogue with the mayors and governors of the expanded ARMM — composed of Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Marawi City.

"We are very glad that Gov. Hussin has finally reported to the (governor’s office). The ARMM can function smoothly now that it is in the hands of duly elected officials, no longer under the stewardship of caretakers functioning merely on hold-over basis," said a directorate staffer of a line agency under the governor’s office.

Hussin and Isnaji, through the efforts of the 6th ID’s commander, Brig. Gen. Roy Kyamko, and Deputy Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Nabil Tan, met and reconciled on the same day at the Army’s main camp in Awang district here.

"We ended up discussing security preparations and other concerns in connection with the forthcoming visit of President Arroyo," Kyamko said.

Omar said the policemen and soldiers now guarding the ARMM compound have been ordered to secure, as their primary duty, all government employees and government property there during and after Hussin’s installation.

"We don’t want a repeat here of last month’s incident in the ARMM’s Cabatangan compound in Zamboanga City involving loyal followers of former Gov. Misuari," he said.