by Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan, June 6 (PIA) – It is a
historic day for Basilan as the two influential political clans of the Akbars
and Hatamans signed a peace covenant Tuesday to end family disputes and
political differences, which will pave the way for peace and development in the
province.
Speaking for the Akbar family, Basilan
Governor Jum Akbar reveals that nearly six months ago, the Hataman family,
through the facilitation of prominent members of the Basilan Ulama Supreme
Council, offered her the possibility of reconciliation between their families.
“To be very honest with you, this was quite a
surprise to me. For almost half a decade, our families have been at odds with
each other. It was hard to believe at first; nevertheless we knew we had to act
on this offer, an opportunity to forge peace between our families once and for
all,” Akbar said in her message.
“So I called on some of the more prominent
members of our family to discuss the offer of reconciliation, delivered by the
emissaries of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council, from the Hataman family. A
series of consultations ensued, wherein we likewise gathered the opinions of
our political allies, supporters, family friends and associates – to include my
four fellow Governors of the ARMM Provinces,” she added.
“Six months passed, we stand before you now,
ready to commit ourselves to a covenant of solidarity, peace and development
for Basilan,” she said, declaring that “ito ang simula ng bagong umaga sa
Basilan (beginning of a new day in Basilan).”
Speaking for the Hataman family, ARMM OIC
Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman cited the people behind, especially the
initiative of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council for the efforts to make this
reconciliation and covenant signing possible.
He also appealed to the supporters and
sympathizers of the Hatamans and the Akbars to become supporters and
sympathizers instead of peace, progress, and development for Basilan.
“Nang sinimulan ang negosasyong ito kayo
[Basileños] ang aming inspirasyon at hindi po ang pampolitikang interes ng mga
Akbar at ng mga Hataman (When we started to negotiate, you, Basileños were our
inspiration and not the political interests of the Akbars and the Hatamans),”
he said.
He underscored the sacrifices and humility of
each clan to make this reconciliation possible for the sake of reform and
transformation of the island province for the people of Basilan. He said the
conviction of President Benigno Aquino III to reform the Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was his inspiration for this reconciliation.
Meanwhile, DILG Secretary Jessie Robredo said
that he and Sec. Deles are here to witness and testify to this very significant
historic event that will push for the development of Basilan and that every
Basileño should remember. “There is no development if there is no peace. No
peace if there’s no understanding,” he stressed, saying that conflicts hinders
any progress.
Peace Adviser Teresita Deles, for her part,
expressed her gratitude for the invitation to witness this important event
which she believes will contribute to a long-lasting peace not only in the
island, but in ARMM and the whole of Mindanao as well.
“Ang pakay po ng ating Pangulo ay matapos po
ang lahat ng hidwaan sa iba-ibang parte ng Pilipinas habang siya ay nakaupo pa,
na wala na pong ipapasa pa as unfinished business of armed conflict sa susunod
pang administrasyon,” Deles said.
She said that what the people are witnessing
here today is one important building block that is crucial to the entire peace
process. The event, she added, bore witness to the capacity of the leaders to
go beyond self-interest and the welfare of the people reigns supreme in their
hearts.
Over a thousand spectators coming from all
over the island province, including Regional Cabinet members of ARMM, city and
municipal mayors, vice mayors, barangay contingents, government workers,
private and business sectors, the military and police, the academe, and the
media witnessed this historic event dubbed as Solidarity Towards Peace and
Development in Basilan at the Basilan State College Gym in Isabela City.
