DAVAO CITY, 8 December— Isnaji Alvarez, the man named as caretaker of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao following the suspension of Nur Misuari, is not giving up the seat to the winner of last week’s election. Alvarez said Dr. Parouk Hussin’s assumption of the post has no legal basis. He said he could do so only in September, next year.
Hussin of Sulu was proclaimed winner of the gubernatorial polls last week by the Commission on Election, with Dr. Majid Mutilan of Lanao del Sur as vice governor. Hussin told the press that he has assumed the post of governor but he is still in Zamboanga City on a mission to resolve the problem brought about by last week’s hostage-taking by followers of Misuari.
Alvarez reportedly issued a notice to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to disregard Hussin’s notice of assumption and the solicitor general to file a petition for temporary restraining order against Hussin.
Alvarez, speaker of the ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly, was named acting governor a few weeks ago. He was also supposed to have been deemed resigned when he filed his certificate of candidacy for governor.
