Vice presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has thanked the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) for supporting her vice presidential candidacy as well as the Palace bid of former senator Bongbong Marcos.
“Let me express my sincerest gratitude to the MNLF for expressing support to my candidacy as vice president and the candidacy of Bongbong Marcos as President in the May 9 elections,” Duterte said in a statement Monday, May 2.
MNLF National Vice Chairman for Military Affairs Datu Albakil "Thong’"Jikiri made the announcement of support to the UniTeam candidates on April 25 in Zamboanga City, citing the group’s confidence in the wisdom and sincerity of Marcos and Mayor Duterte, which comprise the UniTeam.
“MNLF’s support is essential to our cause of bringing about meaningful and lasting peace and development in Mindanao and the rest of the country,” the Davao mayor and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) chairperson said.
"As the national government’s partner in peace building in Mindanao over the years, MNLF’s support to the UniTeam will serve as a solid foundation in our pursuit of continued peace and development and equality of rights and opportunities for our Moro brothers and sisters,” Duterte said.
She stressed that as a Mindanaoan, she “will always protect and support the interest of Mindanao and its people - knowing the role of Mindanao in the growth of the entire country".
“Magkasama po tayo at magiging magkatuwang upang masiguro ang patuloy na pag-unlad at kapayapaan sa Mindanao at ng buong bansa. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas (We will be together and serve as partners in ensuring continued progress and peace in Mindanao and in the entire country),” she added.