COTABATO CITY – – Former Moro revolutionary leader Dimasangkay “Dimas” Alangadi Pundato died on Thursday, August 13 in his residence in Marawi City, an official of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) said. He was 72.
“The NCMF officials and employees extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajioon (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return),” Dr. Dimapuno Datu-Ramos Jr., NCMF director for external relations said in a social media post.
A native of Lanao del Sur, Pundato was part of the original group of Moro fighters who trained abroad, known as the Top 90 of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and fought for self-determination of the Moro people.
Later, Pundato chaired the MNLF-Reformist Group that espoused changes in the way the Moro revolution was being run, in step with the times.
When he joined government, Pundato headed the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA), the precursor of the NCMF.
He also served as Undersecretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
Lawyer Rasol Mitmug Jr., a member of the interim Bangsamoro parliament, said he, along with Zia Alonto-Adiong is set to file a resolution “expressing profound sympathy and most sincere condolences” to the family of Pundato.
Pundato was born on December 21, 1947.