MILF: CBCS, UBJP-Sarangani holds Provincial Candidates Forum to guide Moro voters

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Website (May 7): CBCS, UBJP-Sarangani holds Provincial Candidates Forum to guide Moro voters



In a bid to help its Bangsamoro constituents choose whom to vote in the upcoming May 9 Elections, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) and United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP)-Sarangani Province Chapter held the First Provincial Candidates Forum held at the gymnasium of Barangay Tuyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province on April 29, 2016.

More than one thousand participants from the seven municipalities of Sarangani comprised of Moro community leaders and ordinary constituents that included women, Asatidz (Madrasa teachers), professionals, and youth gathered to listen to the platforms of the provincial candidates.

Two gubernatorial candidates namely Steve C. Solon (incumbent governor) and Juan Domino, two bets for the vice-governor position, Willie Dangane and Dr. Elmer de Peralta, and Elson Formoso who aspires for congressional seat showed up and discussed their platforms particularly for the Bangsamoro of the province.

Candidates for Board Member, Moro, Indigenous People and Christian and mayoralty candidates of Malapatan also joined the voters’ education activity.

The organizers related to the candidates and the audiences the history, sentiments, aspirations and recommendations of the Bangsamoro People in Sarangani.

Among the recommendations shared to the candidates were establishment of Muslim public cemetery in every town, Musallah in terminals, hospitals and schools, development program for the Bangsamoro, and scholarship and training for Moro youth.

The audiences asked the candidates their stance on the peace process and the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

All the candidates shared their plans geared towards the development of the people of the province regardless of their faiths.

They also urged unity, understanding and harmony to strengthen peace and development of the province.

UBJP-Sarangani Executive Officer Tommy Nawa said they plan to hold provincial consultation among the Muslim constituents of the province to identify the issues and concerns as well as the proposed solutions that will be presented to those who will win the local elections.

He hoped the winning candidates will keep their promises and implement programs and policies that will benefit the Muslim constituents.

The provincial government of Sarangani supports the weekend Madaris education, sponsors annual Madaris Musabaqa (intramurals), and provides food for Eidul Fit’r celebration. It also sponsors provincial Iftar every year.

Among the Moro tribes living in Sarangani are Maguindanaon, Iranun, Tausug, Sangir, Maranao, and Kaagan. Sarangani is located at the south-western part of Mindanao.