DESPITE the heavy presence of Moro rebels, militants and lawless elements the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the lowest crime volume in the country, police figures revealed over the weekend.

The ARMM that comprises the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi is a known bastion of Moro separatist rebel groups, al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other lawless elements.