BASILAN PROVINCE – In what has been described as one of the most closely contested and historic elections in Basilan, Congressman Mujiv Hataman was officially proclaimed as the newly elected Governor of the province on May 14, 2025. The proclamation ceremony was held at the Basilan Provincial Capitol following a brief delay in vote canvassing due to the late transmission of results from one municipality.
Based on official results from two cities and 11 municipalities, Hataman secured 121,829 votes, edging out his closest rival, Atty. Jay Hataman Salliman, who garnered 118,554 votes—a narrow margin of 3,275 votes. The tight race underscored the intensity of the political showdown between two prominent Basilan political families.
Atty. Jay Salliman is the son of incumbent Governor Jim Salliman, who himself clinched the position of Vice Governor, reflecting a high-stakes electoral battle that captivated the attention of both local and national observers.
Joining Hataman in the incoming provincial administration are newly proclaimed members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including re-electionist Amin Hataman who received 49,987 votes, and first-time Board Member Atty. Faigdar Jaafar with 47,836 votes. Both are affiliated with Team Adil and the Basilan Unity Party (BUP).
The proclamation was led by the Provincial Board of Canvassers and attended by officials from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), local government leaders, members of the media, and a large assembly of supporters, family, and residents.
Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, the governor-elect’s wife, was present to show her support during the milestone event.
In his message to the public, Hataman expressed deep gratitude and called for continued unity and collaboration:
“Sa ngalan ng pag-asa at paninindigan, tinatanggap ko ang hamon at responsibilidad na isulong ang tunay na pagbabago sa ating mahal na lalawigan. Taos-puso ang pasasalamat ko sa lahat ng nagtiwala at tumindig para sa Team Adil at Basilan Unity Party. Hindi ito tagumpay ng isa: ito ay tagumpay nating lahat! Hiling namin ay samahan nyo pa rin kami sa laban para sa pag-unlad at kasaganahan ng bawat pamilyang Basileño!”
Known for his previous roles as Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and as Representative of Basilan, Hataman brings with him a reputation for peace-building, inclusive leadership, and transparent governance. His assumption of the province’s highest office signals a new chapter in Basilan’s political landscape.
Governor-elect Mujiv Hataman and the rest of the newly elected officials are set to officially take office on June 30, 2025. Their victory brings with it a renewed public mandate and heightened expectations for unity, development, and transformative leadership in Basilan.