Article XVIII – Section 2

Existing Local Government Units. – Nothwithstanding the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, the existing municipalities of Al-Barka, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Akbar and Hadji Muhtamad in the Province of Basilan; and the municipalities of Datu Blah T. Sinsuat, Pandag, Mangudadatu, Northern Kabuntalan, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer, and Datu Salibo in the Province of Maguindanao are hereby converted into regular municipalities.