Basilan ARMM assemblyman suspended for misconduct

COTABATO CITY --- The 24-seat Regional Assembly in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao suspended for three months without pay an assemblyman from Basilan on order of the Ombudsman.The suspension of Basilan Assemblyman Haber Amin Asarul for misconduct” took effect last June 5 and will last until September 3, according to a written execution of Ombudsman’s order signed by ARMM Speaker Ronnie Sinsuat.A copy of Sinsuat’s suspension order for Asarul was obtained by the Oblate Media Wednesday from regional lawmakers who confirmed he has been out of office since June 6.The Oblate Media repeatedly tried, but failed to get Asarul’s comment on the issue.The Ombudsman’s directive for Sinsuat to suspend Asarul was premised on graft case OMB M-A 09118C, now undergoing litigation.Asarul has reportedly been facing cases before the Ombudsman since mayor yet of Sumisip town in west of Basilan, a component province of ARMM.He was even charged with mishandling of the coffer of the Sumisip local government unit while at its helm.