COTABATO CITY – Mayor Mohammad Bruce Matabalao officially launched his campaign for a second term in office by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) this Saturday, joined by a full slate of candidates and supporters after a motorcade through the city.
According to Philippines News Agency, Matabalao, representing the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) — the political arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) — was accompanied by his running mate, former Barangay Poblacion 2 chair Johair Madag, as he submitted his candidacy documents at the city’s Commission on Elections office. The mayor emphasized his commitment to continue the development programs initiated during his first term.
The upcoming election features a three-way contest for the mayor’s office. Incumbent City Vice Mayor Johari Butch Abu and his running mate Bimbo Ayunan-Pasawiran of the Serbisyong Inklusibo – Alyansang Progresibo (SIAP Party) are challenging Matabalao. Additionally, former Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, with Councilor Japal Guiani III as her running mate from the Nationalist Peoples Coalition, are also vying for the leadership position in this strategically important city, which serves as the seat of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government.
In related political developments, former Representative Bai Sandra Sema is attempting a political comeback by filing her COC to represent Maguindanao del Norte in the House of Representatives. Furthermore, the political landscape in the newly established Maguindanao del Norte province is heating up, with former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) director general Suharto Mangudadatu running for governor. Mangudadatu has pledged to make Maguindanao del Norte the most progressive province in BARMM if elected.
This election cycle is crucial for the future governance and development of the region, with significant implications for both local and regional stability.