Hataman to political rivals: 'Forget politics

first and help me fix ARMM problems'

ARMM officer-in-charge-Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman stresses a point at a Thanksgiving or Duwa'a held in Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan Province last Saturday. Behind him is Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakkalahul. Hader Glang

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman has asked his political rivals to forget politics first and help him to fix the problems hounding in the autonomous region.

Speaking at a Dua’a (Thanksgiving) held in Barangay Tabiawan, Isabela City, Basilan Province on Saturday morning, Hataman told the crowd that ARMM is a broken region because of too much politicking.

"This is the challenge that must be fixed within 17 months, so I plead to you. We will only succeed in our quest for reform in ARMM if you are there and if there is cooperation from all sides," Hataman said.

He stressed that there is no room in his heart and thoughts for revenge on his political rivals because it will only divide the people and does not benefit anyone.

Citing the effect of excessive politicking which operates in DepEd ARMM, Hataman said it had greatly destroyed on the educational system in the region.

“DepEd is broken not because of teachers and educators but due to politics. All the projects are not properly implemented...no justice in our towns because of too much politicking," he added.

For this very reason, the ARMM chief caretaker said until now, he has not appointed regional secretary to the DepEd ARMM. “I do not need a doctor of education, though it’s needed later.

"What I need is a daring person and fearless who has a strong heart to change the system and trends within the DepEd,” he stressed.

Hataman further said he is determined to eliminate corruption prevalent in DepEd within 100 days of his administration and to do significantly to improve the quality in education in 17 months.

He noted that good governance, socio-economic development, and peace and security are the main thrusts of his administration under the “matuwid na daan” or right path campaign of President Benigno Aquino III.

“We will not disarm that is not the solution, but the question is how to regulate the firearms which is the solution,” Hataman said, referring to his proposed general amnesty on loose firearms.

“This is what we will do. I will ask our President to have a general amnesty on firearms within ARMM,” he added.

On the first marching order from President Aquino to stop illegal loggers operating in the region, Hataman said the investigation involving the shutting down of seven sawmills in Kapai town, Lanao de Sur is ongoing.

He said he poured in enough funds to the newly reinforced Task Force Ranao headed by Brig. General Daniel Lucero to engage in an all-out offensive against illegal logging in the province.

He expressed confidence that many positive things will happen in the region. He continued saying that he just wanted to lead by example in ARMM, where a completely peaceful and prosperous region, was his dream.

“But I’m not dreaming this much, simply just wanted to regain the honor and dignity of Muslims," he said. “If we can't change the structure of ARMM, at least, we can change the perception from outside ARMM. I promised you that I am determined to reform ARMM. Join me to achieve this goal,” he concluded. HG