Friday Mar, 29 2024 06:09:27 PM

Maguindanao gov steps down, leaves over P200-M budget

GOVERNANCE/POLITICS • 15:00 PM Mon Jul 1, 2019
1
By: 
Edwin O. Fernandez
The turn over ceremonies where outgoing Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu (in long sleeve white) hands over the symbolic key to Datu Ali Sangki, (black jacket) father of Gov-elect Bai Meriam Sangki-Mangudadatu. (Photos by Jeff Mendez)

BULUAN, Maguindanao  – Outgoing Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu on Sunday officially relinquished his post to the newly elected provincial governor during simple and emotional turnover ceremonies here.

Mangudadatu, elected governor of Maguindanao in 2010 following the bloodiest single election related incident in the country’s electoral history – the 2009 Maguindanao massacre – will commence as the new representative of Maguindanao representing the second district to the House of Representatives.

Mangudadatu peacefully turned over the leadership to the new governor.  After he was proclaimed elected congressman of Maguindanao’s second district, Mangudadatu vowed to peacefully hand over the leadership to Bai Meriam Mangudadatu who defeated his brother, Freddie, in last May’s elections.

Before the turn over rites, Mangudadatu presided over the Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting (PPOC) during which he reported that peace situation of Maguindanao has greatly improved during his term.

The symbolic key of the provincial government was received by Datu Ali Sangki, father of Governor-elect Bai Meriam Sangki-Mangudadatu who failed to attend the ceremonies due to prior commitments.

The ceremonies, attended by Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana and new 6th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, were held at the provincial gymnasium. 

Also in attendance were newly elected officials of Maguindanao.

“I am turning over the reign of government of Maguindanao, its assets and liabilities and more than P200 million funds for the new governor,” said Mangudadatu.

Bai Meriam Sangki-Mangudadatu is the wife of his cousin, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto Teng Mangudadatu.

In his speech, Mangudadatu outlined his accomplishments in his nine-year stint as provincial chief executive.

Mangudadatu vowed to support all programs of the new provincial governor for as long as these will benefit the people and for the betterment of Maguindanao.

He also lauded military officials, headed by Generals Sobejana and Carreon, for helping him maintain law and order in the province.

“Election is over, now is the time to move forward and bring about good governance to improve the lives of the people of Maguindanao,” Sangki said, speaking in behalf of his daughter.

He said his daughter will work for healing and reconciliation following the divisive May 13 elections “since most of the officials involved in elections were related by blood and by affinity.”

Following the turnover rites, Maguindanao provincial employees surprised the outgoing governor with a thanksgiving program and sumptuous lunch. (EOF)

 

 

UK: Bangsamoro one of world’s few successful peace processes

MANILA – The United Kingdom has hailed the creation of the Bangsamoro region as one of the world’s few successful peace processes as it joined...

Antipas LGU releases official list of victims of highway mishap

OFFICIAL list of victims of March 25, 2024 vehicular accident involving passenger van and cargo truck. The list is from the local government of...

Cotabato Light announces April 6 power service interruption

Cotabato Light announcement:  To all our valued customers, please be informed of the scheduled power interruption affecting a portion of...

BARMM has new police regional director

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao Norte - Police Brig. Gen. Prexy Dugas Tanggawohn was installed as new police regional director for the Bangsamoro...

BARMM, Inter-Agency Teams implement OPLAN HARABAS, nets 1 conductor positive for drug use

COTABATO CITY - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangamoro Region and police units in the city conducted on Tuesday "Oplan Harabas" in a...