LOOK: Gutoc starts campaign with prayer for Mindanao, elections

Senate aspirant Samira Gutoc (center, foreground) offers a prayer for peace in Mindanao and the elections as she kicks off her campaign on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Caloocan City. INQUIRER.NET / CONSUELO MARQUEZ

MANILA, Philippines — Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc started her election campaign by praying for peace in Mindanao and in this year’s national elections.

Muslim communities gathered on Tuesday at the plaza in front of San Roque Parish Church in Caloocan City to join Gutoc in calling for the safety and security in Mindanao and national elections.

Gutoc also prayed for the victims of the twin explosions that rocked the Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, and grenade blast inside a mosque in Zamboanga City.

Gutoc is running for the Senate under the Otso Diretso senatorial slate, a coalition of opposition parties.

Otso Diretso senatorial bets will hold its other campaign activities here also on Tuesday.

The Otso Diretso is composed of Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, reelectionist Senator Bam Aquino, human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Gutoc, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and former Deputy Speaker Erin Tañada. /cbb

Supporters join Senate aspirant Samira Gutoc (center, right) in praying for peace in Mindanao and the elections as she kicks off her campaign on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Caloocan City. INQUIRER.NET / CONSUELO MARQUEZ