Basilan residents, including a senior leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and a group of Ulama, have endorsed Assemblyman Hatimil Hassan's gubernatorial bid in the upcoming August 11 ARMM elections.
"We are humbled and gratified to have earned the respect, the trust and support of our fellow Basileños," Abdurahman Tanjil, executive assistant and spokesperson of Assemblyman Hassan, said in an exlusive interview.
"The people of Basilan have endorsed Assemblyman Hassan not because he is a Yakan or native of Basilan, but they know that he will work with them to bring peace and progress in the ARMM," Tanjil added.
Brigadier General Unsong Ogong, chairman of MNLF Basilan State Revolutionary Committee, said in a letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that he is strongly endorsing Hassan for ARMM governor and as administration candidate.
Ogong furthered that they believed the MNLF vice chairman was the best choice to support the Arroyo administration as far as the regional security and socio economic development in the autonomous region are concerned.
"Hoping that Basilan could also give chance to run the ARMM because Madam President our teachers under the present administration (Governor Zaldy Ampatuan) are suffering from rendering service without salary from June to December," he said.
For Board Member Candu Muarip of Basilan, in a resolution, said they are earnestly requesting President Arroyo to anoint Assemblyman Hassan to be the administration candidate for regional governor in the forthcoming ARMM election.
He said they firmly believe that the former Speaker of the autonomous region, with his vast experience and support of other concern stakeholders both in the local and international communities will make a difference in the helm of the ARMM.
"In the interest of justice, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan members are appealing that the claimor of the people of Basilan to head the regional government be heard and given utmost consideration," the resolution said.
They emphasized that different ethnic tribal groups that compose the cities and provinces in the autonomous region have already given the chance and opportunity to serve in the highest post of the regional government, except the Yakans of Basilan.
Meanwhile, the officers and members of the Ulama group based in Basilan have expressed support to the gubernatorial bid of Assemblyman Hassan, who is the most senior official of the Central Committee and vice chairman of the MNLF.
"We believe it is high time that a representative constituency of Basilan be given a chance to seat as the governor of ARMM. His (Hassan) qualification, dedication and integrity and track record may very well speak for itself."
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