PFP bets win big in BARMM

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) candidates scored decisive wins in the recently concluded elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

PFP National President and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., who was proclaimed on May 13 as reelected governor of South Cotabato, expressed his and the party’s gratitude to those behind the successful staging of the polls in the region.

Reports of unofficial results from the Commission on Election server as of May 15, disclosed that several PFP candidates scored decisive victories, while others are leading in the congressional, gubernatorial, mayoral and vice mayoral races across different parts of BARMM. 

PFP aspirants who won and have already been proclaimed include Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu for the lone congressional district of Maguindanao del Sur; Datu Tucao Mastura as Maguindanao del Norte governor and Ali Midtimbang as governor of Maguindanao del Sur.

In Basilan, nine PFP candidates are leading in the local race, including Lamitan City mayoral aspirant Oric Furigay, while six are ahead in the vice mayoral race.

In Tawi-Tawi, seven candidates for mayor and seven for vice mayor under the PFP banner are also in the lead.

Meanwhile, in Lanao del Sur, three mayoral candidates and one vice mayoral bet are ahead, along with five mayoral and five vice mayoral candidates in Maguindanao del Norte, and six mayoral and five vice mayoral candidates in Maguindanao del Sur.

Additionally, nine congressional candidates from PFP are leading in the initial tally from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as of 5 p.m. on May 15.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., PFP’s National Chairman, has emphasized the importance of unity in governance.

“Governance is a shared responsibility, a mission that requires unity and burden sharing for the common good,” he said.

He also extended his congratulations to the winning, proclaimed and leading candidates from PFP and other coalitions. He likewise urged them to prioritize unity in their public service.

“To the newly elected, regardless of party or coalition, I extend my hand. Let us move forward together — with open minds and common purpose,” Marcos added.

Tawi-Tawi stands out as one of the provinces where PFP secured significant victories, winning the majority of local positions in its 10 municipalities.

As of posting time, at least 10 PFP candidates are currently leading in the official count for gubernatorial, vice gubernatorial, congressional and provincial board member races in various cities and municipalities throughout BARMM.

They are Yshmael Sali for governor in Tawi-Tawi, Al-syed Sali as vice governor of same province, and Jim Hataman Salliman as vice governor of Basilan.