Maguindanao gov steps down, leaves over P200-M budget

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 6^th 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)