BARMM SPOKESMAN CLARIFIES//Isko not endorsed by Chief Minister

From the Manila Times (Feb 24, 2022): BARMM SPOKESMAN CLARIFIES//Isko not endorsed by Chief Minister (By Julmunir Jannaral)

The spokesman of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Wednesday clarified that presidential candidate Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, who paid a courtesy visit on Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim at the Bangsamoro Government Center here on Tuesday, was not endorsed by the latter.

The clarification was made by BARMM spokesman Naguib Sinarimbo amid the speculations among the residents in the region that Ebrahim's bet for president is the mayor of Manila.

Sinarimbo said that during the meeting, Domagoso presented his platform to the Chief Minister.

The spokesman also said that Domagoso promised to continue the implementation of the peace agreement signed between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front if he is elected president of the country.

Sinarimbo emphasized that the policy of the Bangsamoro government and their political party, the UnIted Bangsamoro Justice Party, is to welcome all presidential candidates who would officially visit the region and listen to their plans and visions.

"We will only endorse after listening, hopefully, to all of them. And we will make sure that the best interest of the Bangsamoro people is placed at the center of the endorsement and made a priority of the candidate," Sinarimbo explained.

Domagoso's visit to BARMM ignited contrasting posts on social media.

Sinarimbo even cited one post attributed to President Rodrigo Duterte that said: "Matapos ko sila tulungan sa pag extend ng BARMM, bakit kay Isko sila nanumpa at sumuporta. BALIMBING NA GRUPO."

Although Sinarimbo labeled this as "fake news," it has created a stir among BARMM residents.

Domagoso's visit in Cotabato City and Maguindanao became more controversial, especially after tarpaulins were posted endorsing the Manila mayor as the presidential bet and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as the vice presidential candidate.

In the past, Domagoso has expressed his support and admiration to President Duterte.

Domagoso's running mate is popular social media influencer Dr. Willie Ong.

Duterte-Carpio, on the other hand, is the running mate of presidential candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/02/24/news/regions/isko-not-endorsed-by-chief-minister/1834052