Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
COTABATO CITY –– Bangsamoro interim chief minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim has ordered an investigation on the alleged threats received by Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi two days ahead of today’s hand over of the city’s supervision from the national government to the regional government.
Ebrahim assured the safety of residents and leaders of Cotabato City despite their strong vocal opposition to the city’s inclusion in the expanded autonomous region.
“Based on our investigation, no one will hurt them because of their position because everybody knows the decision of the people of Cotabato will not change,” Murad told the Inquirer by phone.
In a statement released to the media, Sayadi said she decided to skip the turnover rites on Tuesday after receiving threats through text messages from anonymous sources.
Sayadi claimed that the same threats were also sent to the city’s vice mayor, Graham Dumama, city administrator Dr. Danda Juanday, and other executives.
In another statement, Juanday said they were not taking part in Tuesday’s rites in deference to Sayadi’s case before the Supreme Court questioning the result of the 2019 plebiscite.
“We have extended an official invitation to the Mayor. If she will not attend, it’s up to her, and it will not affect our activity since the Department of Interior and Local Government will lead the turnover ceremony. But it will be good if they will attend to manifest abidance to the law, support, and cooperation,” Ebrahim said.
Authorities were placed on high alert ahead of the ceremony that will take place inside the BARMM auditorium, where Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana will grace the historic event.