Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) acting Gov. Ansaruddin Alonto-Adiong Saturday said he will assume office in Cotabato City Monday with a mission to restore civil governance in the martial law-covered Maguindanao province.

As this developed, Adiong urged all concerned parties to “respect all lawful processes” involved in the campaign to bring to the bars of justice every suspect in the November 23 massacre of 57 people, including 31 journalists in the province.

For the entire ARMM, Adiong said he would pursue a seven-point agenda to keep bringing the impoverished region to greater heights, even as he ardently solicited public cooperation in his transitional administration.

Such agenda, he said, will push for “the completion of existing infrastructure projects, delivery of health services, improvement of education, poverty reduction, institutional building and sustenance in local governance, enhancement of peace and security, and the protection of the environment.”

Adiong, who is vice governor of the ARMM and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional secretary, was sworn into office as acting governor on Thursday to take the place of Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan.

The 40-year-old Adiong has admitted the enormity of his tasks in “these most trying times” of putting all things together in the face of reported confusion and anxiety brought forth by the Maguindanao massacre and its resultant martial law declaration.

“But as a public servant, I am sworn to serve our people with utmost integrity and efficiency,” said Adiong, whose maternal and paternal family lineages have been known for untarnished track records in public service.

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 clan in the Maguindanao massacre.

Puno said Adiong’s appointment as acting regional governor would set in motion other events “to restore normalcy” in Maguindanao which is currently under martial law.

“Adiong’s takeover would show 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.