By Ben Rosario Maguindanao Representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu Friday appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to guarantee justice for slain former Sultan Kudarat Vice Governor Rolando Jacinto who was killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen on Jan. 7. Maguindanao 2nd district Rep. Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu (photo courtesy of Maranao scribe Moh Saaduddin / MANILA BULLETIN) Mangudadatu said Jacinto’s murder contributed to the growing incidence of violence taking place in Maguindanao and adjoining provinces. “I am imploring President Rodrigo R. Duterte to look into the violent death of Vice Gov. Recinto,” said Mangudadatu, whose wife, sister, and close relatives were among the victims of the Maguindanao massacre in 2009. Mangudadatu, a former governor of Maguindanao, said Recinto was known as a good person and a “friend to everyone.” He added that the slain former provincial official had no known enemies and had long retired from politics. Recinto, 80, was driving his pickup truck along a highway in Barangay Bilumin, Lambayong, in Sultan Kudarat when motorcycle riding gunmen opened fire on him. Police are baffled by the incident and have yet to identify the suspects. Recinto was a well-loved personality in Sultan Kudarat. Officials of the province condemned his violent end. According to Mangudadatu, Maguindanao and nearby provinces have recently experienced a spate of violence. “I am also urging the President to conduct an inquiry, particularly into the spread and rise of violence happening to the people of Maguindanao,” Mangudadatu said. He said two persons, including a local newsman, were killed and two others were critically wounded in recent killings staged during ambushes. “What is perhaps more alarming is that violence in Maguindanao is becoming commonplace and somewhat now a norm. This shouldn’t be the case,” the administration solon said.