ISABELA CITY, Basilan - Members of the prominent Hataman clan will compete for key political positions in Basilan in the May 2025 elections, with family ties extending across the gubernatorial and mayoral races. On Monday, incumbent Basilan Lone District Rep. Mujiv Hataman filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for governor under the Basilan Unity Party-Liberal Party. Three days earlier, his nephew and 2nd District Board Member Jimael Salam Hataman-Salliman submitted his COC for the same position under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. Jimael is the son of current Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman, Mujiv Hataman's elder brother. Jimael's brother, Vice Mayor Kifli Hataman-Salliman, filed his COC for mayor on Oct. 3. The elder Salliman, who is running for vice governor, filed his COC on Friday, accompanied by Jimael. "It's just an election. Let our province mates decide who they want to lead," Hataman said after filing his COC at the provincial election office. "This is not complicated for us. It's on ly a temporary situation. We still talk whenever we meet." He urged voters to focus on candidates' platforms rather than personal or familial issues, calling for a campaign based on governance and service. Hataman's running mate is Alzad Sattar, a religious leader in the province. Maluso Mayor Hanie Bud had also filed his COC for congressman, aiming to succeed Hataman. Hataman pledged to continue his programs on health, livelihood, peace and order, and transparency in governance. Meanwhile, Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman also filed her COC for reelection as mayor of Isabela City. She is seeking a third term, with Councilor Ar-Jhemar Ajibon as her running mate. Source: Philippines News Agency