DAVAO CITY (May 14) —-Former Congressman Mujiv Hataman has been officially proclaimed the newly elected Governor of Basilan following the completion of the official canvassing of votes in the May 13, 2025 midterm elections.
Hataman garnered 121,829 votes from across the province’s two cities and 11 municipalities, securing a narrow victory with a margin of 3,275 votes over his closest rival and nephew, Atty. Jay Hataman Salliman.
The proclamation, led by the Provincial Board of Canvassers, took place at the Basilan Provincial Capitol on May 14, 2025.
Also proclaimed were winning members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including re-electionist Amin Hataman and newly elected Atty. Faigdar Jaafar, both from Team Adil and the Basilan Unity Party (BUP).
Surrounded by family, supporters, and local officials, including Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, the governor-elect delivered a message of unity and shared responsibility.
“Hindi ito tagumpay ng isa; ito ay tagumpay nating lahat. Samahan ninyo kami sa laban para sa pag-unlad at kasaganahan ng bawat pamilyang Basileño,” Hataman said.
His victory marks a new chapter for Basilan’s leadership, with high expectations for a transparent, inclusive, and peace-driven administration. Hataman, a veteran lawmaker and advocate for autonomy and development in the Bangsamoro region, will assume office on June 30, 2025.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
