Toto Paglas, mayor who transformed dying town, dies

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines - Datu Ibrahim ‘Toto’ Paglas III, grandson of former Senator Salipada K Pendatun died around 2:15 p.m. at the Intensive Care Unit of the Davao Doctors Hospital due to complications, his relatives said Thursday. His relatives said the datu’s remains would be brought today to Digal Paglas town in Maguindanao. Toto Paglas’ death came as a surprise. He died at 48. Many mourned his demise. For lawyer Suharto Ambulodto, former election supervisor of Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat, said that Toto Paglas is a datu with a vision and dedication, “who is not afraid of re-thinking paradigm and in engaging the calls of his time." “We would now never know how could the ARMM fared from 2001 to 2005 had its people not been denied and deprived the privileged of being served and led by a Datu with a vision and dedication," said Ambulodto. Paglas lost in the gubernatorial elections in ARMM in 2005. For Manuel Concepcion, Jr., Paglas is one among the best that the Bangsamoro have shown to this country, Philippines and the world. “I was in the US when I heard how he transformed his town into a productive one, as all the residents in the area valued hard and honest work. To be voted as one of the outstanding young men in the Philippines is an honor; to render service to his people using his talent and ability is leadertship to the highest level," said Concepcion. Datu Paglas, one of the towns in Maguindanao, is still being ruled by the Paglas family. But it was Toto Paglas, nephew of former MILF chairman Salamat Hashim, which ‘converted’ the once dying town to a progressive one when he provided residents in the area sustainable livelihood opportunities. Paglas assumed the post as mayor of Datu Paglas in 1988 at age 24, two years after the death of his father, Datu Ibrahim Paglas II, who was appointed as OIC governor of Maguindanao after the EDSA revolution. “The MILF rebels and former lawless elements are now living a normal life with their families in my town," said Toto during the 1st Mindanao Population, Health and Environment Conference held in General Santos City in 2007. Paglas was appointed vice-chair of the Mindanao Coordinating Council from 2000 to 2001. The council was organized by former President Joseph Estrada to rehabilitate and develop conflict areas that were affected by his all-out war against the MILF. Chit Asis, former director general of the Liberal Party of the Philippines, said the Liberal Party would surely miss Toto Paglas as “the best LP ARMM chairman we never had." “He was a man of genuine love and commitment, dedicated to the betterment of the Moro people. He had a vision, and mission, which he not only preached but worked for," Asis said. - Malu Cadelina Manar, GMANews.TV