Amid enormous tasks of restoring normalcy in his troubled domain, the new leadership of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Wednesday took time to join President Arroyo in greeting the Muslim world on the occasion of the Islamic New Year’s fete, which falls on December 18.

“I take this opportunity to echo the call of the President for all Muslim Filipinos to ‘further strengthen their faith in Allah and renew their commitment to Islam’ in observance of the Hijrah Amon Jaded (New Year),” said acting ARMM Gov. Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong in a statement.

Adiong pointed out that the occasion “is a fitting moment for all of us Muslims to reminisce and profess the ideals and principles of Islam as exemplified by Prophet Mohammad in leading global and moral governance.”

He said his family’s campaign of “morality in politics” should find a “prominent space” in the current election season where politicians must shun adversarial contests especially the “tendencies for feudalism and warlordism.”

“We must imbibe the value of constant remembrance of the Almighty Creator, the love for peace and unity, and the supreme concern for mankind, in order to quell the temptations of power and influence,” Adiong stressed.

In a separate message, Mrs. Arroyo said the Islamic New Year, which falls on December 18, is “an opportune time for all Muslims to strengthen their faith in Allah and renew their commitment to Islam.”

“It is also a fitting occasion for me to call on our Muslim brothers and sisters to support our resolve in forging lasting peace and unity in Muslim Mindanao,” the President said.

The chief executive imposed martial law in Maguindanao on December 4 to hasten the process of bringing to justice the suspects in the November 23 massacre of 57 people including 30 journalists.

She lifted the military rule last Saturday after security forces had arrested and indicted several suspects in the massacre and recovered caches of firearms belonging to the suspected Ampatuan family members and followers.

“We have been through a lot of challenges in the past years but we were able to surmount them. I believe that with Allah’s divine guidance and our shared goal of uplifting our country, regardless of religion and beliefs, we will be able to hurdle obstacle ahead,” Mrs. Arroyo said.