Hatamans offer peace to Akbars

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Efforts are being initiated to end the animosity between two of the most powerful clans in Basilan—the Hatamans and the Akbars.

Anak Mindanao Rep. Mujiv Hataman, who is reportedly President Aquino’s choice as officer in charge of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the next 21 months, said he was offering reconciliation, particularly with the Akbar clan.

Hataman was one of the early suspects in the 2007 bombing at Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City that killed Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and four others.

“At the level of the prosecutors, I was cleared on the basis that there was no probable cause against me,” Hataman told the Inquirer on Saturday.

Hataman’s peace offer comes with an assurance that he or any member of his clan will not be facing the Akbars in any elective post.

“I am ready to give way not just to the Akbars but to other political parties interested to govern the province, including the civil society groups and other ordinary stakeholders,” he said.

He, however, acknowledged that the Akbar clan was one of the many in the ARMM that he might have a hard time to strike peace with.

“I am reaching out to them and I am doing my best to reach out because I know the Akbars want peace in Basilan. I, too, want to enjoy peace in my own province,” he said.

Omar Akbar, nephew of the late Representative Akbar and son of incumbent Assemblywoman Rajam Akbar, said about half of the clan members were inclined to support Hataman.

“We need time. I know that our family will be ready to work with Hataman,” he said.

Omar Akbar admitted that Hataman was trying to reach out to the Akbar clan.

“In fact, he tapped different organizations, religious groups that are acceptable to both camps,” he said. Hataman said he had asked for the help of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council to serve as a “bridge” between him and the Akbars.

“I am hoping this will generate positive results,” Hataman said.