Getting to know Governor ‘Ina’ of Maguindanao

During the holidays, I had one of my most memorable dinners in 2009, hosted by former Senator Santanina Rasul in honor of Nariman “Ina" Ambolodto, acting Governor of Maguindanao province.

Facilitated by the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID) led by Amina Rasul, Moro leaders expressed their best wishes for the youthful chief executive who was suddenly thrust into the limelight after the detention of members of the Ampatuan clan in the province. Ina took over from Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. after he was implicated in the Ampatuan town massacre that drew world-wide condemnation. More than 50 civilians and journalists were killed in the incident, the worst challenge to democracy in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Ina’s immediate concern was to convince foreign donor agencies to continue supporting Maguindanao after the withdrawal of much of their official development assistance in the wake of the November 23 atrocity. The last week of December was a busy time for her, as she attended a series of inter-agency meetings with foreign funders. She has organized a Technical Working Group to draw up the Annual Investment Plan and 2010 Budget for the province. High expectations Former senator Rasul assured Ina of support from her group, the Magbassa Kita Foundation. She also offered to get Ina in touch with her contacts at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance if needed, saying “Parang position mo si Cory during Marcos time. Marcos was also ousted." Amina Rasul said Ina’s academic background – she holds Islamic Studies and Master’s degrees – proves she has excellent credentials for the position. Lawyer Adel Tamano mentioned that he shared the same position as Ina of facing high expectations. “You cannot succeed by yourself – you have six months to succeed, and you will need everyone’s help," he said. Former ARMM Solicitor General Joe Lorena, who is part of the DILG team overseeing Maguindanao, offered his help. “Maguindanao is part of us. It is part of Moroland." Lawyer Hamid Barra, who is also an ulama (religious leader), advised Ina to look at the new position as a blessing from Allah and follow the path of righteousness in taking on any responsibility. “Allah plans, and Allah is the best of planners. As a divine plan, we have to go according to what Allah wants," he said. Mirkarl Allian from the Office on Muslim Affairs said, “Maguindanao is a beautiful province, with Liguasan Marsh. It’s going to be a new Maguindanao." Educator Moner Bajunaid said he had been hearing good words about Nariman while going around communities at the height of the November 23 controversy. “She represents a fresh face," he said. Yusuf Ledesma of PCID mentioned the two great challenges after the awful incident of November 23. The first is on the claim of Islam as a moral code. “Our religion has one of the highest ideals – of people enjoining what is good, forbidding what is wrong. With our claim to a moral code, we shouldn’t be failing. Wala masyado tayong strong institutions that bring justice to the people. We have strong people who are unchecked even if they are doing wrong." Second is on the misconception of women in Islam. “We should break the conception of the West that we do not have strong Muslim women leaders and they are not empowered." When it was my turn to speak, I looked at her and reminded her of November 23 as a day of infamy for women. That women's bodies were violated as well as their rights to peace and freedom. “The leadership of women will be tested," I told her. Smooth transition In response to the testimonials, Ina was tearful. She had shed tears as the first speaker wished her well, and thanked everyone after reading the names of the conveners in newspapers promising support for her leadership. She expressed her sentiments about the further challenges ahead. “Lalong bumigat (ang balikat ko). Sana di ko kayo mabigo." She is hoping to pave the way for a smooth transition for the next administration. “Sa akin, transitory lang, aayusin ko lang. ‘Di naman ako tumakbo," she said. “Paano natin maibangon at ma-change ang image ng Maguindanao?" Here's wishing you well, Ina ng Bayan ng Maguindanao. – YA, GMANews.TV The author is a journalist, PCID convenor, and a fellow of the Young Moro Professionals Network.