COTABATO CITY (MindaNews/16 May) — Reelected Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has vowed to support the incoming administration of presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The parties we belong are not the issue here as we both dream to push for the welfare of Mindanaons and the Filipino. The people we serve is our party,” Hataman, a Liberal Party member, said in his post-proclamation press briefing on Saturday.
Hataman and running mate Vice Gov. Al Rashid Lucman were proclaimed by the ARMM board of canvassers over the weekend.
“We will align our regional government to the programs of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, a Mindanaon,”Hataman said after his proclamation.
In the next three years, the governor said, his administration will continue its programs on poverty alleviation, peace and fighting lawlessness.
“Change is coming while we will continue the reform initiatives.
It’s a good working combination,” he said.
In Maguindanao, Gov.. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, who was proclaimed last week, said the provincial government has high hopes on the Duterte presidency.
“Knowing Digong’s kind heart for the oppressed, we are hoping he can deliver the long awaited peace for Bangsamoro people,” Mangudadatu said as he vowed “all-out support to Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, more development in Mindanao and the sincere pursuit of Mindanao peace deal.”
Duterte won via landslide in ARMM even if most incumbent officials in the region are Liberal Party members. (Ferdinandh Cabrera/MindaNews)