ARMM

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was an autonomous region of the Philippines located in the southern part of Mindanao. It was created to provide self-government for predominantly Muslim areas and to promote peace, development, and cultural expression within the framework of the Philippine Constitution and national law.

Legal basis and creation: ARMM was established by Republic Act No. 6734, the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, signed into law in 1989 and ratified by a regional plebiscite later that year. The act defined the region’s powers, government structure, and relationship with the central government.

Geography and composition: At its inception, ARMM comprised five provinces—Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi—and included various cities and municipalities within those provinces. Cotabato City served as the regional government’s administrative center.

Government and powers: ARMM had its own regional government headed by a Regional Governor and a Regional Legislative Assembly. The region enjoyed limited self-rule over areas such as education, culture, social services, and economic development, while certain matters remained under national sovereignty or national oversight.

History and challenges: Throughout its history, ARMM faced governance, development, and security challenges, including ongoing conflict-related pressures and political complexities. Elections and governance were sometimes disrupted by security concerns in parts of Mindanao.

Dissolution and successor: In 2019, ARMM was replaced by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act 11054). BARMM established a new form of regional government with a Bangsamoro Parliament and greater autonomous powers, marking a transition from the ARMM framework.