Hataman’s appointment as ARMM OIC gov hailed

The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) welcomes the appointment of former Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Mujiv Hataman as the OIC regional governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

We fully support Hataman based on his track record in pursuing the Bangsamoro struggle and background in development work. Hataman was an active member of the House committee on human rights, whose chair was then Rep. Benigno Aquino III. Hataman led investigations into the spate of kidnappings in the Basilan and Sulu islands, and he sponsored resolutions condemning the killings of Moro activists and detainees suspected of being Abu Sayyaf members. He also sponsored the declaration of March 18, the anniversary date of the Jabidah massacre, as a Bangsamoro historical event.

Hataman’s appointment has the strong support of non-Muslims inside and outside of ARMM. He is well-known among civil society groups that are advocating reforms in the ARMM.

Thus, his appointment sends a strong signal that genuine reformists would steer the ARMM along the path of genuine reforms in the next 20 months leading to the May 2013 elections.

Hataman has both the administrative and legislative background, having worked in the provincial government under Gov. Wahab Akbar and later as a three-term legislator.

The fact that he is President Aquino’s personal choice to lead the reform process means that Hataman enjoys the President’s trust and confidence, which is what is precisely needed by an OIC regional governor.

Hataman is seen as a non-traditional politician with progressive leanings by which he can well appreciate the dysfunctions of clan and insurgency-related conflicts.

PCID also congratulates the appointment of Bainon Karon as

ARMM regional vice governor. A leader of a well-known civil society organization and of the Moro National Liberation Front, Bainon has served as ARMM secretary for social welfare. She can help the regional governor in ensuring that the basic needs of the people of ARMM are served and that the Millennium Development Goals are attained.

—MIRKARL T. ALLIAN,

program director,

Philippine Center for Islam

and Democracy,

NCPAG Annex Building,

Raul P. De Guzman St.,

University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City