DAVAO CITY – Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu disagreed with the hand over of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court on March 11.

MANGUDADATU

“Hindi puwede na mag-surrender lamang tayo sa iba't-ibang bansa. Hindi puwede na isuko lang natin ang kapwa Pilipino,” Mangudadatu said in a video clip released to the media on March 18.

(We cannot surrender to other countries. We cannot surrender fellow Filipinos)

The video clip was filmed while he was delivering a speech during the flag-raising ceremony at the provincial capitol in Isulan town on Monday, March 17.

The governor, who belongs to a formidable political clan in Central Mindanao, added that he does not condone oppression against fellow Filipinos.

He said that he still supports programs under the Bagong Pilipinas program of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. but that does not mean that he agrees with everything the country’s leaders say.

“Basta nakakatulong sa Pilipinong walang problema,” he said. “Ganon din ang panahon ni President Duterte. I agree with his policies. But it doesn't mean that I agree with everything that he say.”

(If it helps Filipinos, no problem. Similar during President Duterte's term)

The Philippine Center on Transnational Crime, with the Philippine National Police, served the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity during his campaign against illegal drugs.

Lawyers and supporters of the former President have questioned the arrest, saying that the ICC has no jurisdiction in the country since the Philippines had already withdrawn on March 17, 2019.

Duterte's former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said the former President’s arrest was illegal and a surrender of Philippine sovereignty to foreigners by State authorities.

Supporters of the former President also pointed out that he must be tried in country's local courts.

The young governor pointed out that there is no such thing as a perfect leader.

What is important, he added, is that people should choose a good leader.

“There is a reason why God has given us karunungan at kaalaman. Knowledge and wisdom. Na gamitin natin 'yan. Ngayon ulitin ko po, I do not prohibit anyone from protesting. Go ahead! Masaya ako na makita natin na empowered ang ating mga Pilipino,” he told his fellow government workers in the province.

However, the governor reminded his co-workers in the government and his constituents to be vigilant against disinformation and fake news amid thr political turmoil in the country.

In the age of social media, misinformation is so rampant, he said.

Mangudadatu urged his constituents to verify whenever they receive any news and information.

"Before we click share, alamin natin kung totoo 'yan. Because we do not want to add in the spreading of false rumors or fake news.”

Mangudadatu is a son of former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority chief Suharto Mangudadatu and Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu.

The elder Mangudadatu quit his post last July 31 and running for governor of Maguindanao del Norte. His mother is also seeking reelection in Maguindanao del Sur.