Following the Supreme Court decision allowing more seats for party list Representatives in the House of Representatives, Anak Mindanao (AMIN) 2^nd nominee Ariel Hernandez took his oath of office as AMIN Representative last April 27, 2009 before House of Representatives Secretary General Marilyn Barua-Yap.

Rep. Hernandez or Cong “Ayi” to relatives and friends hails from Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. He finished his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro and is the Executive Director of Balay Mindanaw Foundation Incorporated, a peace group based in the region.

AMIN National Council President Mahmor Edding welcomed this positive development and is confident that Rep. Hernandez will greatly contribute to the advancement of the party’s principles and policies. “We know Cong Ayi’s passion and commitment to the Mindanao cause, we are confident that despite the delay in his proclamation, he can make substantial actions in the House of Representatives,” Edding said.

The newly-proclaimed solon for his part accepted the challenge and committed to pursuing relevant legislative measures in the few months left in the 14^th Congress. “I barely have more than a year as member of the House of Representatives, I do not have the luxury of aiming for much. But I commit to making the most of this little time particularly in introducing and supporting measures and actions that will directly and will have significant impact to Mindanao and our people,” he said.

By EDMER F. PANESA

mb.com.ph

Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation

March 30, 2009, 8:37pm

Mindanao lawmakers are counting on the people of Sulu for the safe, unconditional and immediate release of the three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers who have been held by the Abu Sayyaf since January 15.

Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-list Rep. Mujiv Hataman said the people of Sulu should “continue and intensify their participation in solving the hostage crisis” after the Abu Sayyaf threatened to take the life of one of the victims.

The Abu Sayyaf had also rejected the pullout of government troops in exchange for the release of Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba.

“The ICRC is an independent organization serving our communities out of pure volunteerism. It is but proper that we, from the communities, reciprocate this goodwill by engaging significantly in this urgent situation,” Hataman said.

Zamboanga City Rep. Ma. Isabelle Climaco said it is but right for the people of Sulu to also work for the safe release of the hostages as they stand to suffer the consequences if the crisis is not resolved.

“Let the people of Sulu demand for the release of the hostages. A common stand by the people must be expressed,” Climaco said.

“If any of the three Red Cross personnel are harmed or decapitated, it will lead to pullout or hesitancy of other aid groups from helping the entire archipelago in the future,” she warned.

Lanao del Norte Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo said the local officials of Sulu are in a better position to know what the best approach to the crisis is.

“Local leaders should take the initiative in releasing captives, and be the one telling the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) what to do,” Dimaporo said.

Meanwhile, Hataman and North Cotabato Rep. Bernardo Piñol expressed their objection to a full military pullout from Sulu as requested by the Abu Sayyaf.

“If I have my way I will not let the military pullout to happen,” Piñol said. He did not elaborate.

Hataman, who hails from Basilan, explained that a total pullout of military from the war-torn province should not happen in view of the presence of different armed groups in the province, like in any other provinces in the region.

“We regret, but cannot deny the truth that aside from bandit groups, there are warring factions in our provinces, because of clan or political conflicts. We fear that total absence of the military will result to anarchy and lawlessness,” Hataman said.

Hataman, however, urged the military to “uphold human rights and to remain loyal to their mandate, and not to any political group or clan.”