GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Lakas-Kampi-CMD (Christian Muslim Democrats) presidential bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro will accompany vice mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu of Buluan town in the filing of his certificate of candidacy for governor before the Commission on Elections in Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao.

The nine-convoy vehicle carrying Teodoro, Lakas national president and Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez and Lieutenant General Raymundo Ferrer, Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) chief, left Gensan around 7:30 a.m.

Mangudadatu and his cousin Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu will meet Teodoro in the capital town of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Dominguez said Teodoro decided to accompany Mangudadatu in the filing of his CoC to ensure his safety.

Dominguez claimed there was nothing to worry about security as government troops had secured the route and the whole province.

He said the filing of Mangudadatu’s CoC was symbolic in upholding freedom and democracy in Maguindanao.

Dominguez said this signaled a new beginning, new hope, and a new brand of politics for Maguindanao.

Despite the carnage, Mangudadatu said nothing could stop him from running as governor of Maguindanao.

Mangudadatu’s wife, Genalyn, sisters Eden and Farinnah were among the 16 Moro women and at least 18 journalists slaughtered by the suspected armed followers of the Ampatuans.

In an interview with Mangudadatu, he said he wanted to put an end to politics of patronage, culture of subservience, and violence, as well as corruption in the province.