Autonomous government established in Islamic region of southern Philippines; parliament elects first prime minister

[Manila Current Affairs] Autonomous governments were established on the 30th in areas with a large Muslim population, including parts of Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines. The parliament convened based on the elections held in September elected the first prime minister. It gained autonomy after nearly half a century of conflict.

Makakua (69), who had been serving as interim prime minister, was elected prime minister. He is the former head of the military wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which once fought against the government for secession and independence. In September's parliamentary elections, the party's leader, the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), failed to win a majority of seats and formed a coalition with minority parties.

In his speech upon being elected prime minister, Makakua emphasized, ``We are committed to benefiting the people of the Bangsamoro (Islamic Autonomous Region), Mindanao, and the entire country.'' He expressed his intention to tackle issues such as peacekeeping and economic development.