PCID welcomes the appointment of Congressman Mujiv Hataman as ARMM governor

A statement by the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy
December 21, 2011

The PCID welcomes the appointment of former Anak Mindanao party-list Congressman Mujiv Hataman as the regional governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

We fully support Hataman based on his track record in pursuing the Bangsamoro struggle and background in development work.

Hataman’s active legislative work as member of the House Committee on Human Rights together with then Rep. Benigno Aquino III as chairperson. Hataman led investigations on the spate of kidnappings in the Basilan and Sulu as well as sponsored resolutions condemning the killings of Moro activists and detainees suspected of being Abu Sayyaf. He also primarily sponsored the declaration of March 18, anniversary of the Jabidah massacre, as a Bangsamoro historical event.

Hataman has strong support from the non-Muslims inside and outside of ARMM and is well-known among civil society groups involved in advocating for reforms in the ARMM. Thus, his appointment sends a strong signal that genuine reformists would steer ARMM in less than 20 months before 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 trust and confidence of the President that is precisely needed by an OIC regional governor. He is seen as a non-trapo with progressive Left leanings where he can well appreciate the dysfunctions of clan and insurgency-related conflicts.