President Rodrigo Duterte leads the distribution of the Certificates of Land Ownership Award at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City on 23 December 2019. (PCOO)

President Rodrigo Duterte led the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Monday, encouraging other areas to join the new administrative region for faster regional development.

“I am honored to join you today as we hold the first ceremonial distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Awards here in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao since its creation in March this year,” the President said in a speech.

“Today, 912 agrarian reform beneficiaries will receive 815 CLOAs covering more than 2,000 hectares of land in Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.”

The President encouraged the agrarian reform benefiries (ARBs) in BARMM to develop the land handed over by the government adding his administration is ready to provide assistance and market access.

He also called on the provinces or areas not included in BARMM to join for the quick development of the newly created autonomous region.

“Ako, sinasabi ko, join BARMM. Gusto ninyo sumali sa pagtaas ng ano, sumali kayo sa BARMM. Magtiwala kayo sa mga leader,” he said. “Dito na lang kayo, palakihin na natin ‘yung BARMM para maraming negosyo. Magbuhos ako ng malaking pera bago ako aalis.”

“Kaya important to create a thriving community. Kaya itong BARMM must succeed because it is a deliverance, political, social, lahat na.”

Sen. Bong Go (seated, leftmost) listens to President Duterte deliver his speech.

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go accompanied the President, who was also assisted by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones.

Three former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) represented ARBs from Maguindanao, and two farmers represented ARBs from Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.

The President introduced Go as someone who truly represents the people. As Go’s mentor for more than 20 years, the President vouched for Go’s dedication to his duties.

“Senator Bong Go, ang tinulungan ninyo,” the President said. “Tao ninyo ito. Ako na ang nagsasabi. He is serving the interest of the Moro people.”

Go said threats will not stop them from fulfilling their mandate.

“Hindi po kami takot mamatay. Mas gusto namin mamatay na nagseserbisyo sa bayan,” he told reporters when he distributed cash and relief assistance to earthquake victims in Matanao, Davao del Sur earlier in the day.

To ensure regional security, President Duterte said he is open to allowing BARMM establish its own armed forces to fight terrorism.

“Alam mo, sa totoo lang, when you are already evolved into something which is really regional at mayroon kayong sariling Armed Forces o police, payag ako. Mag-armas kayo. But you know, you have to kill the terrorists,” said Mr. Duterte.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law allows BARMM to establish a police regional office in the Bangsamoro region with the control and supervision of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Its chief will still be appointed by the PNP chief, upon consultation with the Bangsamoro chief minister. (With reports from PND)