Campaign for BOL in full swing in Lanao

MASIDING NOOR YAHYA

December 23, 2018

ILIGAN CITY: Even as the Dimaporo clan is opposed to the division of Lanao del Norte, the campaign on the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) by the people of the province is now in full swing.

Maigo town Mayor Rafael Rizalda is campaigning for “Yes” in the BOL plebiscite on Jan. 21, 2019.

He said the people of the towns of Tagoloan, Baloi, Pantar, Munai, Tangkal and Nunungan had expressed in two past plebiscites their determination to join the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Rizalda said he respected the people of the six municipalities’ right to self-determination, and they should be supported.

He added that many lives and properties were lost in the struggle of the Moros to self-determination.

“Now that a peace formula has been reached, it deserves the full support of all,” Rizalda said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Mohammad Khalid Dimaporo of the First district of Lanao del Norte is campaigning for “No” to inclusion in the forthcoming plebiscite.

Big billboards showing the lawmaker’s photos are displayed all over the province stating that while he supported the BOL he is against the division of Lanao del Norte.

He is campaigning against the inclusion of its six municipalities to the Bangsamoro Region.

He stressed that peace can only be achieved through good governance.

The Dimaporo clan has been the longest ruling political family in Lanao del Norte, starting from the late Ali Dimaporo, followed by his son Abdullah and grandson Khalid.

Imelda Dimaporo, wife of second district lawmaker Abdullah, and mother of Khalid, is the incumbent governor of Lanao del Norte. (The Manila Times)