Manalao takes over as Lanao Sur governor

MARAWI CITY — Lanao del Sur Vice Gov. Aleem Bashier Manalao formally becomes governor today under the rule of succession following the death of governor-elect Mamintal Adiong Sr. last week.

"The turnover ceremony is the first ever in the history of Lanao del Sur. By tradition, outgoing and incoming elected officials do not observe formal turnover ceremonies," said provincial information officer Shiela Ganda.

Ganda said the provincefolk see a peaceful and orderly turnover with Adiong’s son, Mamintal "Bombit" Jr., the provincial administrator, formally handing over the reins of the provincial government to Manalao.

Monera Dimakuta Macabangon, the first district’s senior provincial board member, who garnered the highest number of votes in the May 10 polls, will take over as vice governor.

Manalao, known as "Mustaqbal" (which means the "future"), belongs to the local Ompia political party. He is a graduate of Islamic studies from schools in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.