Newcomer chosen as Lakas bet for Lanao Sur gov

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – A newcomer has beaten a veteran legislator as the Arroyo administration’s gubernatorial candidate in Lanao del Sur.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan, regional chairman of the Lakas-Christian, Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), said 18 mayors voted in favor of gubernatorial aspirant Mamintal "Bombit" Adiong Jr., while only 12 endorsed Lanao del Sur Rep. Benasing Macarambon Jr.

Adiong was chosen in Friday’s caucus attended by 35 Maranaw mayors. The local Lakas-CMD called the meeting to prevent intense rivalries among its members aspiring for Lanao del Sur governor.

The caucus was the first ever in Lanao del Sur, known for bloody conflicts among influential political clans.

A civil engineer by profession, Adiong is the eldest son of the late former Lanao del Sur governor Mamintal Adiong Sr.

Five Maranaw mayors, all related to both Adiong and Macarambon, abstained from the secret balloting during the caucus held in Davao City and jointly presided over by Ampatuan and Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong, the administration’s regional political coalition chairman for Muslim provinces.

"I’m thankful and very grateful for the support extended to me by the 18 mayors who backed me up during the caucus. I also ought to thank Gov. Ampatuan and Rep. Datumanong," Adiong told The STAR.

Adiong’s younger brother, Ansarudin, is the incumbent vice governor of ARMM.

Macarambon, regarded as one of the influential political figures in the second district of Lanao del Sur, accepted the outcome of the selection.

Datumanong said he is convinced that the elections in the ARMM provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and the newly created Shariff Kabunsuan would be peaceful and orderly.

The ARMM also covers Marawi City and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.