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| Alvares Isnaji |
JOLO, SULU - Former Indanan, Sulu Mayor Alvares Isnaji is
running for Sulu’s 1st District after he files his
Certificate of Candidacy, Thursday giving a good alternative choice for
the electorates of the district’s 8 towns.
Isnaji, a top leader of the Moro National Liberation Front,
along with his supporters officially filed his COC with the COMELEC amid cheers
from his supporters, who accompanied him in full.
A native of Timbangan, Indanan, Sulu, and born on Feb. 19, 1946 in
Barangay Timbangan, Isnaji is happily married to Nasrun Seraji Isnaji. They are
blessed with many kids.
He leads a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front, who
earlier had endorsed Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan for ARMM Regional Governor.
As a Senior MNLF leader who fought the Marcos regime along with
other commanders during the 70's, Isnaji left a legacy of a true "Moro
fighter for a cause" until the signing of the 1996 final peace accord
between Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the MNLF under
the auspices of the Organization of the Islamic Countries (OIC).
Isnaji is supported by several leaders under the Nationalist
People’s Coalition (NPC of business tycoon Danding Cojuangco ) and the
Puersa ng Masa Party (PMP) of former Pres. Erap Estrada of the
different towns which will propel his candidacy to victory , according
to Indanan Vice-Mayor Khan Nahudan.
Vice-Mayor Nahudan is vying for re-election. Other candidates
for Municipal Councilors include Malli Kadil, Ubay Sahabil, Dadang Talib,
Rohilyn Indanan, Darwin Askali; Armanzar Isnaji and Muham Salialam and Hakim,
among Isnaji supporters.
Isnaji, who is an experienced public servant has thrown his hat
into the political arena after serving as elected Municipal Mayor of Indanan,
Sulu; elected member of the Regional Legislative Assembly and eventually
Speaker of the RLA; ARMM OIC Vice- Regional Governor; ARMM Regional
Cabinet Secretary (DOST) ; Acting ARMM Regional Governor, whose stints in all
capacities proved outstanding in terms of performance in public services.
Many supporters of Isnaji expressed confidence
that with the years' of experience in both legislative and executive as
well as sterling local governance he will be able to institute the desired
reforms for the province.
Isnaji stressed the need to bring peace and development
,accountability, good government by addressing poverty and unemployment;
true , service, protection of Human Rights (women and children
rights); self-determination and self reliance, and Moral ascendancy and fear
for Allah.
He believes changes in the lives of the many poor and
marginalized sectors of the region can still be attained under the Pnoy
administration’s reform agenda for development.
"I share and support the vision and sincerity of the
president and I believe he is the right leader of this country who can address
and perpetuate what her mother the late democracy icon and hero former Pres.
Cory Aquino has started. I believed Pnoy is here now to perfect it,
"aspirant Isnaji emphasized.
Upon learning of Isnaji's decision, many leaders and supporters
from the provinces of Sulu and MNLF comrades, as well as the religious groups,
community organizations, civil societies and the business sectors had expressed
their all out support to him.
Isnaji, the led an earlier formed MNLF faction following
the ouster of MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari, was just recently elected as the Chief
of Staff of the MNLF Central Commttee-Bangsamoro Armed Forces (BAF).
The controversial mayor along with his son Haider were
implicated and arrested in connection with the 2008 kidnapping of broadcast
journalists but later ordered released by the court for innocence. (By BFC)