IN SESSION. Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the provisional lawmaking body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, stand in attention as they sing the national anthem before the start of their second regular session on Wednesday (Dec. 20, 2023) in Cotabato City. The BARMM parliament approved three bills on third and final reading the creation of three new towns in Maguindanao del Norte. (Photo courtesy of BTA-BARMM))
COTABATO CITY – Three more towns in Maguindanao del Norte are taking shape after the Bangsamoro parliament approved measures to improve government services to the locals.
The parliament, in its regular session Wednesday afternoon, approved Parliament Bills 190 and 191 which aim to create the towns of Datu Sinsuat Balabaran and Sheik Abas Hamza, respectively.
These were authored by Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Deputy Speaker lawyer Lanang Ali Jr.
Once approved by Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, the legislation will be subjected to a plebiscite to determine its fate.
The two new towns will be carved out from Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality. The bill creating the town of Datu Sinsuat Balabaran garnered 39 “yes” votes, one “no” vote, and two abstentions.
On the other hand, Parliament Bill 191 creating the town of Sheik Abas Hamza got 40 affirmative votes and one negative vote.
Meanwhile, Parliament Bill 223 creating the town of Nuling, authored by Member of Parliament Baileng Mantawil, was also approved with 36 yes” votes, two abstentions, and three “no” votes.
The villages of the proposed town of Nuling will composed of villages that are currently part of Sultan Kudarat municipality.
Mantawil said the opposition via social media using her distorted images did not stop her from pursuing her legislation since it is for the good of the people.
“I am just pursuing what is just and necessary for our people,” Mantawil said in a privilege speech before the BTA plenary.
A plebiscite is expected to take place for the three proposed towns, set for scheduling by the Commission on Elections, through the Bangsamoro Electoral Office within 120 days from the date of the law’s effectivity.
Composition of the new towns
If approved, Ebrahim will appoint the mayor, vice mayor, and eight members of the Sangguniang Bayan for each municipality.
The municipality of Datu Sinsuat Balabaran will be composed of 13 barangays, such as Awang, Badak, Capiton, Dinaig Proper, Dulangan, Kusiong, Linek,Tamontaka, Mompong, Semba, Tambak, Tanuel, and Tapian.
The seat of government will be established in Barangay Tamontaka.
Comprising 10 barangays, the municipality of Sheik Abas Hamza is composed of Baka, Bitu, Bugawas, Kurintem, Labungan, Margues, Makir, Sapalan, Sifaran, and Taviran.
Barangay Bugawas will host the seat of government.
The barangays of Alamada, Banatin, Bulibod, Damaniog, Ibotegen, Kabuntalan, Kakar, Kapimpilan, Katamlangan, Katidtuan, Ladia, Maidapa, Matengen, Nalinan, Nara, Panatan, Pigcalagan, Pinaring, and Raguisi will make up the municipality of Nuling.
Pinaring will be identified as the site of the new government seat. (PNA)
