MANILA, Philippines ? (UPDATE) Acting Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Governor Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong formally took his oath of office Thursday, in what Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said was an effort to restore ?normalcy? in the entire province particularly in Maguindanao.

Adiong, flanked by his supporters as well as other local government officials, said he would continue projects that were stalled because of the crisis in Maguindanao.

?Our work shall focus on the completion of infrastructure projects, delivery of health services, improvement of education, poverty reduction, institutional strengthening in local governance, enhancement of regional peace and security, and the protection of the environment,? Adiong said in his speech.

Adiong admitted to be a political ally and friend of Ampatuan, but said that he would not let this hinder his task as acting regional governor.

But the acting ARMM governor steered clear of the massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao, of which members of the Ampatuan clan were tagged as those directly responsible.

?The investigation of the Maguindanao massacre has been appropriately taken by the concerned national government agencies and, as abiding and responsible citizens, we should respect all the lawful processes as the foundation of our democratic ideals,? Adiong said.

Puno said that Adiong?s assumption of office was the start of a series of events that would restore civilian rule in the region of ARMM.

?What is very clear to all of us now is that civilian government must continue. We have seen that in the provincial government of Maguindanao and in many towns of Maguindanao, government services have come to a halt because of the disappearance of some of the local officials or the non-availability of these local officials.?

?The faster we can do this, the better for all of us because none of us is in favor of a perpetual, continuing condition of martial law,? Puno said in a press conference at Camp Crame.

Puno said Adiong?s task was to appoint officers-in-charge to positions left vacant due to the arrest of several local officials in Maguindanao, most of who were members of the Ampatuan family.

Puno also said that it would also be up to Adiong to decide whether or not military and police troops will continue to remain in and around key establishments in the region.

?I hope this will lay to rest all the fears that martial law?will result in a de facto take over of the region. That is not going to be the case,? Puno said.

Adiong will continue to serve as ARMM governor until Ampatuan, who Puno has said has become ?legally incapacitated to rule,? is cleared of rebellion charges.