
The five politicians are all governors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao – Dr. Sakur Tan, of Sulu province; Jum Akbar, of Basilan; Mamintal Adiong, Jr., of Lanao del Sur; Esmael Mangudadatu, of Maguindanao; and Sadikul Sahali, of Tawi-Tawi.
“We are supporting President Aquino’s peace and development program and we appreciate the President’s personal attention to the development of the ARMM. We thank the President for all the support he is now giving us in the ARMM and its people. We are all grateful,” said Dr. Tan.
Dozens of politicians from across the Philippines also switched political party and joined the five governors to their new political party – the Liberal. They took their oath just this week in Manila and more politicians from other parties are also expected to defect to the Liberal Party. (Mark Navales)