3 Mindanao provinces air support for Aquino

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The provincial governments of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi in Mindanao yesterday expressed support for President Aquino amid calls for the Chief Executive to resign over the deaths of 44 Special Action Force commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January. 

Vice Governors Abdusakur Tan of Sulu and Sadikul Sahali of Tawi-Tawi and Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar meet with the youth groups of their provinces in this city to express their support for Aquino.

Tan and Sahali represented their sons, Gov. Abdusakur Tan Jr. and Gov. Norbert Sahali, respectively.

The meeting was attended by Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali.

“Our support for the President is unconditional because he supported our development, stability and peace. We are sure he will listen to us on how to go about with the peace process,” Tan said.

The leaders urged people behind calls for Aquino to resign to stop doing so.

Tan said they found no basis for Aquino to step down. He dared Aquino’s critics to present alternative solutions to the issues hounding the President.

Sahali said they would put in writing their support for the President.

Akbar said the Aquino government continues to address poverty and security problems that have been hounding the country.