ARMM, BOC to push regional eco-zone

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Bureau of Customs and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Friday agreed to help each other push forward the Regional Economic Zone Authority (REZA) in support of the economic agenda of the southern peace process.

The REZA was created during the time of ARMM Gov. Parouk Hussin in 2003, but was not fully realized.

Customs Commissioner Alberto Lina and ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman signed a memorandum of agreement to revive the operations of the International Polloc Port, the seat of REZA located in Parang town in Maguindanao.

Hataman said their efforts to improve the operations of Polloc Port are in line with the economic agenda of President Aquino’s peace overture with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

He said the agreement, signed at the Park Inn Hotel in Davao City, would address ARMM’s lack of powers to maximize the operation of the Polloc Port.

Hataman thanked REZA executive director Hexan Mabang and ARMM’s regional board of investments chairman Datu Ishak Mastura for drafting the agreement.