Family alliance members' alleged treachery exposed by Governor Mangudadatu
Bold Talk from Maguindanao's Governor:
In a passionate speech at a mammoth Team Agila rally in Shariff Aguak, Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu aired her grievances about the deteriorating alliance with the Maguindanao Family Alliance. She pointed fingers at backstabbing, power play, and self-serving motives that have threatened her mission to unite the powerful clans of Maguindanao.
Addressing her zealous crowd, the governor candidly recounted how her efforts to foster unity across Maguindanao's leading clans faced sabotage from within.
"Apparently, there were some conditions," she asserted, explaining how she initially thought she would prioritize peace and unity for the whole province.
In 2019, Mangudadatu shared that she was prompted by revered elders to run for governor – a call she initially declined due to the tangled political dynamics with the Midtimbang family. Yet, bound by tradition and loyalty, she ultimately agreed.
Over time, however, the alliance soured.
According to the governor, the Midtimbang family repeatedly pressured her for political favors. This relentless pandering cost her credibility and even strained her relationships with crucial officials in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government.
A nail in the coffin came when she followed an instruction from Elder Kagui Ali Midtimbang to install Datu Fajad Midtimbang in Talitay – a decision that stirred controversy and severely impacted her political standing.
"I made enemies for standing up for the very folks who set me up," she stated, referring to her feud with BARMM leaders.
Matters worsened as her own Vice Governor, Nathaniel Midtimbang, began pushing decisions that prioritized his family's interests over those of the province.
"We're seeing history repeat itself," Mangudadatu remarked, referencing the 2010 family rift that resulted in defeat and years of stagnation for Maguindanao.
Now, with the elder Midtimbang joining forces with Toto Mangudadatu under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the once-solid alliance fractures – setting the stage for a bitter political war.
Mangudadatu's message could not have been clearer: she is no longer shackled by forced loyalties and will vigorously uphold transparency and principled leadership in Maguindanao, even if it means standing alone.
Note: Governor Mangudadatu has consistently outshone Ali Midtimbang in recent polls, while her support in the region ranges between 846 out of 1,137 respondents in the Bangsamoro Citizens' Poll to 91.4% in a later survey, underscoring her dominance.
Also, the Mangudadatu and Midtimbang clans have a longstanding rivalry for political influence and voter loyalty in Maguindanao.
- The government of Maguindanao, led by Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu, is facing challenges in its alliance with the Maguindanao Family Alliance, due to backstabbing, power play, and self-serving motives that have threatened her mission to unify the clans.
- Governor Mangudadatu's policy and legislation focuses on transparency and principled leadership, as she aims to restore justice and unity in Maguindanao, despite facing pressure from influential clans like the Midtimbang family.
- In 2019, the Midtimbang family approached Governor Mangudadatu, urging her to run for governor, but her decision was influenced by tangled political dynamics and traditional loyalty.
- Recent political events have strained the relationship between Governor Mangudadatu and the BARMM government, as she stands alone in upholding her principles amidst the controversial decisions made by her Vice Governor, Nathaniel Midtimbang, and the ongoing feud with BARMM leaders.
- As the 2010 family rift between the Mangudadatu and Midtimbang clans repeats itself, the General News highlights the political war that is unfolding in Maguindanao, with the stakes being the province's future and the power struggle among various clans.
