Lanao Sur solon nixes creation of new municipalities

By LLANESCA T. PANTI, GMA Integrated News Published March 25, 2024 8:40pm House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong on Monday opposed two bills seeking to create two additional municipalities in Lanao del Sur province, saying such new partitions are not reflective of people’s will and could undermine progress in […]

Lanao Sur solon nixes creation of new municipalities

Lanao Sur solon nixes creation of new municipalities thumbnail

By LLANESCA T. PANTI, GMA Integrated News


House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Representative Zia Alonto Adiong on Monday opposed two bills seeking to create two additional municipalities in Lanao del Sur province, saying such new partitions are not reflective of people’s will and could undermine progress in the Bangsamoro region.

Adiong was referring to Parliament Bill (PB) No. 271 which pushes for the establishment of the municipality of Pilintangan to be composed of 11 barangays.

The proposed new municipality will be carved out from the existing Wao municipality.

The barangays included in the formation of Pilintangan are Balatin, Buntongan, Buot, East Kili Kili, Kadingilan, Mimbuaya, Muslim Village, Panang, Park Area, Pilintangan, and Western (Poblacion).

PB No. 272 aims to create the municipality of Raya Maguing to be constituted by 14 barangays.

The proposed municipality will be formed by reallocating barangays from the Maguing municipality, with its seat of government located in Barangay Dilimbayan, the bill said.

“We strongly oppose the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s proposed measure to divide the municipality of Wao, Lanao del Sur. We stand in solidarity with my constituents in Wao. Their leadership which has unequivocally rejected this measure, and with the townspeople who have bravely taken to the streets in protest against this divisive action,” Adiong said in a statement, referring to the Sangguniang’s Panlalawigan adoption of a resolution opposed to the said partition bills.

“Wao stands as one of the most progressive parts of Lanao del Sur, a testament to the hard work and resilience of its people and leadership. I have seen the great strides this municipality has taken, its growth and development are products of years of concerted effort and unity. The proposed division threatens to undermine all the progress made and the promising future ahead,” he added.

The Sangguniang Bayan resolution against the bills, Adiong said, should be respected since they reflect the will of the people.

“My constituents in Wao have shown their unwavering commitment to their municipality and its integrity. Their voices, through the Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution and the rallies held in protest, must be heard and respected,” he said.

There are 39 municipalities in Lanao del Sur and one component city, Marawi City.—LDF, GMA Integrated News