When the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) closed on Friday the period of filing certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the August 8 Autonomous Region in Muslim in Mindanao (ARMM) polls, there were 14 aspirants for the gubernatorial post and 16 for the vice gubernatorial post.
But Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said that the number of candidates could still be reduced as the poll body still has to screen their COCs.
The candidates include incumbent and former governors of the ARMM and of provinces not only in Mindanao but also one from Luzon; a former party-list representative; and a former police director.
The 14 candidates seeking to get elected ARMM governor are:Ashmaira Mayasa Abdullah
Mamintal Alonto Adiong (incumbent Lanao del Sur governor)
Saad Ibrahim Amate
Pangalian Macaorao Balindong
Ephraim Baldomero Defino
Mujiv Sabbihi Hataman (former Anak Mindanaw party-list representative)
Alvarez Silal Isnaji (former OIC ARMM governor)
Ansaroden Magangcong Sani Banuas Luman Moner
Pax Pakung Sandigan Mangudadatu (former Sultan Kudarat governor and representative)
Kadra Asani Masihul
Datu Habib Sarifuddin Samanodi Maulana
Elsie New Orejudos
Saidamen Balt Pangarungan (former Lanao del Sur OIC governor)
Sahiron Dulah Salim (former police director)For Vice Governor, 16 candidates have filed their COCs:Acting ARMM governor Ansaruddin Abdul Malik Alonto Adiong,
Mikunug Pangcatan Ampao
Arab Dimasimpun Ampasao
Shariffa Ziola Anding Bago
Datu Pelaez Alo Carudin
Margarita “Tingting" Delos Reyes Cojuangco (former Tarlac governor)
Bobby Mana-ngaran Datimbang
Alikhan Awar Dimaro
Gani Usman Gaddung
Abdulbasit Ampaso Hadjinor
Omar Tani Hassiman
Fatani Sultan Abdul Malik
Basher Dimalaang Manalao (former Lanao del Sur governor)
Kano Pasandalan Nor
Marconi Curso Paiso Al Haj
Abdusakur II Abubakar TanIncumbent ARMM assemblyman Khadafy Mangudadatu, the brother of Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto" Mangudadatu, had earlier filed a COC for vice governor but then chose instead to run for re-election in the ARMM Regional Assembly.
The campaign period for the 2011 ARMM elections is set for June 24 to August 6. Election day is August 8.
On Friday, PDP-Laban introduced Mangudadatu and Cojuangco as the party’s official candidates for the regional polls. — MRT/VS,
