Hussin optimistic he can rebuild ARMM’s ‘tattered image’

COTABATO CITY — With two of his predecessors willing to coach him in managing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Gov. Parouk Hussin is optimistic he can easily rebuild what he calls the "tattered image" of the regional government.

The gestures of former ARMM governors Zacaria Candao and Lininding Pangandaman seem unlikely of traditional leaders in a region where politics is characterized by bloody feuds, private armies and vendetta killings.

"This is a good development because this will help project to the international community that Muslim leaders in the South (share a) common direction and vision of peace and sustainable development," Hussin said.

For his initial advice, Candao, the first elected ARMM governor, said it is important that Muslim, Christian and highland groups are all involved in overseeing the affairs of the regional government.

Candao said the Hussin administration should also work on reconciling feuding Muslim clans to avoid armed conflicts in areas where infrastructure projects are located.

"When feuding families get united, it’s easy for them to pool their efforts and even help in implementing these projects," he said.

During his stint as ARMM governor, Candao initiated the amicable settlement of 65 bloody ridos or clan wars involving powerful families in the region.

Pangandaman, on the other hand, said Hussin and members of his Cabinet should focus on building strong linkages with the region’s 92 mayors and five provincial governors.

"There must be cordiality and cooperation among all of them. Diplomacy and fraternalism must be the guiding principles in maintaining a strong political and administrative bond among all government units in the expanded ARMM," said Pangandaman, who held various diplomatic posts in the Middle East during the 70s.

Like Candao, Pangandaman also settled dozens of ridos in the region, some of them lasting for decades and resulting in the deaths of prominent Muslim leaders.

Pangandaman suggested that Hussin create a special office that will work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs in maintaining diplomatic relations with foreign governments and international humanitarian and funding organizations.

Pangandaman and Candao were responsible for the construction of the 145-kilometer Secretary Narciso Ramos Highway which connects the historic cities of Cotabato and Marawi and traversing hostile spots at the boundary of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.

Work on the vital artery was started during Candao’s term in 1992, and it was completed during Pangandaman’s stint in 1996, just six months before Nur Misuari assumed as ARMM governor.