Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Facebook)

Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong's fellow "Young Guns" bloc members in the House of Representatives only have good things to say about his beloved late mother, former Lanao del Sur governor Soraya Alonto Adiong.

Paying tribute to the former governor in a joint statement over the weekend were Reps. Jay Khonghun (Zambales), Paolo Ortega V (La Union), Jil Bongalon (Ako Bicol Party-list), Rodge Gutierrez (1-Rider Party-list), Pammy Zamora (Taguig), Margarita “Migs” Nograles (PBA Party-list), Cheeno Miguel Almario (Davao Oriental), Ernesto “Ernix” Dionisio Jr. (Manila), Lordan Suan (Cagayan de Oro City), Mikaela “Mika” Suansing (Nueva Ecija), and Inno Dy V (Isabela).

“Gov. Soraya was not just a leader—she was a mother to her province. In the darkest times, especially during the Marawi Siege, she stood firm, ensuring that every civilian was protected and heard. She led with both strength and compassion, qualities that earned her the love and respect of her people,” the Young Guns said in a statement over the weekend. 

Gov. Soraya's passing was announced by relatives on Facebook on Friday. She would have turned 81 on Jan. 7.

They also expressed condolences to the other sons of the former governor, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr. and former Rep. Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong and the entire Adiong family.

The group praised the late official's exceptional leadership during the Marawi Siege, where she worked tirelessly to safeguard lives and ensure stability amid conflict. “She worked in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and national agencies to ensure the safety and protection of civilian lives."

“But her greatest strength was her connection with the people. She personally visited every municipality, bringing the Provincial Government closer to the people and showing what it truly means to lead by example," they said.

“Gov. Soraya’s devotion to her people was unmatched. She was a beacon of hope, a guiding light, and the ‘Mother of Lanao del Sur.’ Her legacy of resilience, compassion, and service will forever inspire not just her province but the entire nation,” the group said.

The lawmakers expressed their solidarity with Rep. Adiong and his family during this time of grief.

“We stand with Congressman Zia and the people of Lanao del Sur in honoring the life of a remarkable woman. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched and in the hearts of all who knew her,” they said.

The group called on public servants to draw strength and inspiration from Gov. Soraya’s life.

“She showed us what it truly means to serve—with heart, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the people. Her legacy will guide leaders for generations to come,” they concluded.