Maharlikan Times

7 politicians vying for Maguindanao governor

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CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao, Feb. 7  - Seven Maguindanao politicians have applied to be named acting provincial governor to serve until June 30 this year.

     Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, ARMM executive secretary, said the search committee chaired by ARMM Interior and Local Governments Secretary Haron Alrashid Lucman has received seven applicants to replace suspended Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. as an aftermath of the Maguindanao massacre that left 57 dead.

    Bai Nariman Ambolodto, appointed acting vice governor by ARMM acting Gov. Ansaruddin Adiong on December 15, has been serving acting governor in concurrent capacity and has been making waves.

    Among the seven applicants who submitted documents before the committee was Ambolodto, who as acting governor since Dec. 15, had instituted reforms in the province.

Interviewed by reporters during the 19th foundation anniversary of PNP-ARMM here, Lucman identified the seven applicants as former Rep. Guimid Matalam, Maguindanao 1st district board member Asnawi Sinsuat Limbona and Bongarsa Tomawis, Harris Mastura, Bai Mompong Mentang, Armando Lidasan and Ambolodto.

    Matalam withdrew his candidacy for Maguindanao's second congressional district to aspire for the governorship of Maguindanao.

   Three other Maguindanao politicians who are not seeking an elective post in May polls have applied to become acting board members or provincial council members.

    Lucman said "in due time" when asked how long will it take for the search committee to recommend the acting governor to Adiong who will appoint the official.

   Various civil society groups have lauded the appointment of Ambolodto as acting Maguindanao governor.

    She was the first woman governor of Maguindanao.

    But with the announcement from the Department of Interior and Local Governments in Manila that ARMM will soon name an acting governor of Maguindanao, civil society groups were alarmed and called on the ARMM officials to remain Ambolodto and give her ample time to prove her worth.