Sulu brother-politicians smoke peace pipe

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Two quarreling politicians who happen to belong to one political clan recently settled their differences and agreed to work for the development of their place in the island province of Sulu, south of this city. Bong Abing III, head of the Sulu provincial information office, said Saturday that Mayor Munib Estino of Panglima Estino town and his brother, former provincial board member Kadil Estino, formally reconciled and settled their misunderstanding in the presence of their families, military, provincial and town officials. Abing said that among those who stood as witnesses during the settlement held last week were Gov. Abdusakur Tan and Vice Gov. Nur Ana Sahidulla, who were at the forefront of the settlement. The other witnesses included Panglima Estino former mayor and the father of both protagonists Hadji Abbas "Maas Bawang" Estino, 2nd Marine Brigade chief Col. Celestino Pereyra, police provincial director Senior Supt. Julasirim Kasim, members of the Provincial Board and majority of the mayors in Sulu's 19 towns. The feud between the two Estino brothers, who are political leaders in Sulu, started in 2004 due to policy differences and party allegiance. Munib has served as vice governor of the province while Kadil has served as mayor of Panglima Estino and provincial board member of Sulu. The Estino family has long dominated politics in Panglima Estino, formerly Panamao. Their father, who is one of the so-called "magic 8" commanders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), was the first mayor of the town. Panglima Estino is a 5th class municipality with 12 villages and has a population of 21,443 based on the census of 2000. Kadil said he will support Munib, who is the incumbent mayor, and his administration for a better Panglima Estino town and for a better Sulu. - GMANews.TV