Mangudadatus' support ‘huge factor’ for Isko’s bid to win Mindanao votes – Ramel

By Terence L. Ranis

The alliance of Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso with the clan of Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu is expected to play a vital role in getting the support of Mindanao voters for his presidential bid, Aksyon Demokratiko Chairman Ernest Ramel said on Monday, Feb. 14.

“I think it’s a huge factor. Alam naman natin na dalawang probinsya ‘yung kanilang kinakampanyahan. Yung asawa niya ay nasa Sultan Kudarat and I believe she’s already unopposed. At ‘yun din naman ‘yung impluwensya ni former governor and now congressman Toto Mangudadatu na babalik bilang gobernador ( We know that they are campaigning in two provinces. Cong. Toto Mangudadatu's wife is running in Sultan Kudarat and I believe she's already unopposed. And we know the influence of Toto himself, who will run again as governor)," he said.

Mangudadatu and his wife Sharifa Akeel threw their support to Domagoso's presidential candidacy during his proclamation rally on Feb. 8.

The province of Maguindanao has a voting population of 766,497 as of 2019. It is also the most populous province in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

On the other hand, Sultan Kudarat has 452,000 registered voters.

Ramel also bared that the Manila mayor has the support of the "silent supporters" in the region who are just waiting for Domagoso's visit in the South.

Domagoso's campaign is open and will welcome any and all endorsements that may come, including that of President Rodrigo Duterte, who comes from Mindanao.