Sulu leaders rally behind Duterte

Posted to the Manila Times (Oct 13, 2021): Sulu leaders rally behind Duterte (By Al Jacinto)

Political leaders in the southern province of Sulu have given their support to President Rodrigo Duterte ahead of the elections next year.

Gov. Sakur Tan and his sons Vice Gov. Toto Tan and Rep. Samier Tan — who are all running unopposed — met with Duterte in Davao City on Monday.

Details of their meeting were not made public, but Samier released a set of photos showing them posing with Duterte.

"Our family and the rest of Sulu are with you all the way our dearest President," wrote Samier on his Facebook post.

His elder brother, Toto, also posted the same set of photos on his social media page and also thanked Duterte.

"Salamat po Tatay Digong," he posted.

The Tans, who are philanthropists and influential politicians not only in Sulu but also in other parts of the Muslim autonomous region, have previously made public announcement of their "unwavering and loyal support" to Duterte.

Sakur also vowed to support the vice presidential bid of Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, the president's long-time aide.

Nur-Raez Omar, one of the loyal supporters of the Tan clan, who shared the photos of Duterte and the trio, said: "A manifestation of a great leader is being recognized by the highest position in the land — the President of the Philippines himself. The father and his sons, equally competent and compassionate. A living proof of Kusug sin Tausug iban Pag-makusug sin Amah sin Bangsa Sug. May Allah always guide, strengthen and grant long life to our leaders and nama-mawgbug sin Lupah Sug."

Another supporter, Nahdin Jubaira, said: "The Patriarch of Sulu, Governor Abdusakur M. Tan with sons, Congressman Samier Tan of the first district of Sulu and Vice Governor Toto Tan with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in Davao. The siblings and the father who are seeking reelections in their respective present positions are unchallenged in the coming elections. It augurs well for the continued progress and development of Sulu. We are in good hands, Alhamdulillah!"

The governor said his municipal mayors and constituents are all behind Duterte. He even cited the president's leadership and concern for the poor, and the government's peace and development efforts not only in his province but the entire Muslim autonomous region.

He said the Tausugs wanted Duterte to run for the vice presidency despite his withdrawal from the political arena.

"Alam mo kaya gusto ko si President Duterte tumakbong vice president kasi as far as Sulu is concerned, napakaganda na ngayon ng Sulu. Tahimik, walang kidnapping, wala lahat, puro development ngayon. Kailangan may continuity, kung mawala yun continuity babalik na naman kami sa gulo," Sakur said.

He said the government's anti-insurgency and peace and development campaign in Sulu has drastically reduced the number of Abu Sayyaf members due to the mass surrender of militants under the auspices of the provincial government and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/13/news/regions/sulu-leaders-rally-behind-duterte/1818169