Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Vice Governor Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong was sworn in Thursday to take the place of Zaldy Ampatuan as acting governor of the region.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno administered the oath of office to Adiong after Ampatuan was taken into custody and charged for his alleged involvement along with the rest of his clansmen in the massacre of of 57 civilians in Maguindanao.

Puno cited that Adiong’s appointment as regional governor of the ARMM sets in motion other events “to restore normalcy” in Maguindanao which is currently under martial law.

“Today’s exercise will evidence and impress upon everyone that even with martial law in Maguindanao, the Constitution remains in effect, the civilian government is in place ... and all other aspects of governance will continue to exist,” Puno said.

Meanwhile, the government official thanked Adiong for “this very brave act” the new governor’s job “is not going to be an easy task.”

“The tasks that lie ahead are going to be difficult but we have confidence and faith in his (Adiong) ability as acting governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” he stated.

For his part, Adiong assured that he will do his duty in the face of hardships.

“At this most trying times, we temporarily take over the reins of government in Muslim Mindanao. We are equally humbled by the enormity of the responsibility it carries,” the new ARMM Governor said.

The oath-taking ceremony was held during simple rites at the conference room of the Camp Crame multi-purpose hall.

It was also attended by representatives of the component provinces of the ARMM, including Rep. Pangalian Balindong of the second district of Lanao del Sur along with Governors Sakur Tan of Sulu, Jum Akbar of Basilan, Mamintal Alonto-Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur, and Sadikul Sahali of Tawi-Tawi.