British gov't assures support for ARMM

COTABATO CITY – The British Government assures its commitment to support Mindanao.

This was the statement given by Christopher Wright, Head Political Section, British Embassy who heads the delegation on a familiarization visit to the regional seat of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao here on Wednesday, May 27.

Wright said their visit here is for them to see what is really happening to Mindanao. He said that they want to see the challenges the ARMM faces and they what to know the efforts the administration of ARMM Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan is doing to address this challenges in the region.

According to Wright his government is committed to the efforts given to Mindanao. He said that there are projects implemented in Mindanao and in the region through the European Union (EU).

“Yes, we have support for Mindanao. We have projects on bridges here and other programs, channeled thru the EU. All our works on projects are leading to peace process,” Wright said.

He said that their visit here is for them to share experience, to listen, to learn and to know where they can help as a friendly country and where and how their experiences could help in the efforts to achieve peace and development in the region.

Regional Planning and Development Executive Director Diamadel Dumagay convey governor Ampatuan’s appreciation to the British Officials for their visit to the region. Dumagay briefed the visiting officials on the programs and projects implemented by the administration of Ampatuan and his efforts on the peace process.

Wright is accompanied by Mr. Euan Graham, Research Analyst, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ms. Jo Bowyer, Desk Officer for Philippines, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, British Embassy.

The delegation of Wright were welcomed by members of the Cabinet and other officials from the region headed by Regional Planning and Development Executive Director Diamadel Dumagay, Technical Management Service Director Ramil Masukat, Administrative Management Director Hadja Lydia Udaundo-Mastura and Information Director Samson Gogo.

In January this year, the Philippines and the EU renewed their commitment to provide support to families affected by the conflict in Central Mindanao and the ARMM. The EU extended two grants totaling to 6.5 million EURO for Humanitarian relief for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) IN Regions X, XII and ARMM.

The EU humanitarian assistance are being implemented by International organizations and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs).

The British officials also inquire from the ARMM officials comparison on the negotiations made by the Philippine Government with the two Moro Fronts, the Moro National Liberations Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and how the ARMM was established. (bpi-armm)