BARMM leaders boost bid of Marcos Jr., Sara

Several local officials of provinces under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) pledged support for the election bids of former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, vowing to "safeguard" their "victory" in the May 2022 elections.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael Sali, Maguindanao Governor Mariam Mangudadatu and Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Alonto Adiong Jr.  signed a "pledge of commitment" to join the Marcos-Duterte tandem in their advocacy to unite the Filipinos.

“We commit to protect the will of the people and safeguard the victory of  Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Mayor Inday Sara Duterte as President and Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines,” it read.

“We commit to uphold the value of honor, integrity, and service as we undertake the upcoming National and Local Elections and ensure that the will of the people will prevail,” it added.

The local executives presented a copy of the document to Marcos during the event on Friday night in a hotel.  The gathering was streamed live by the Uniteam's Facebook page.

Marcos said he is "grateful" for the support, adding this shows he is carrying the right message of unity in his campaign.

"Kung maipanalo natin ito kailangan ko ng tulong ninyong lahat.  I need the help, your wisdom, the advice.  You can rest assure you will always have an ear to listen to you," he said.

An administrative region in southern Philippines, BARMM covers the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Tan said the votes from the region will help make Marcos a "majority president."

"Ang problema ko lang ay Basilan.  Ipapakita ko na hindi yan Leni (Robredo) country, Marcos country 'yan," he said.

BARMM has a total of 2,588,193 registered voters for the May 2022 elections.—Sundy Mae Locus/LDF, GMA News