Isko Moreno’s Muslim supporters switch to Robredo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines — A group of Islamic leaders who earlier pledged their support for Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso for president came out in the open on Monday to declare their support for incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo.

Sheik Mahir Gustaham, chair of United Imams of the Philippines in the Zambasulta (Zamboanga City, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) chapter, announced their switch of support for Robredo at a press conference here on Monday. He cited “national interest, human rights, discrimination against Muslims and the Bangsamoro peace process” as the main reasons for their switch.

“We are formerly supporting the candidacy of Moreno, but after assessing the recent trends from different research companies and after getting the pulse of our constituents, we believe that Moreno could no longer compete with Robredo,” Gustaham said.

Gustaham called on the people in general — be they Muslims, Christians or “lumad” (indigenous peoples) — to rally behind them in their support for Robredo.

“We believe that it’s high time we make one historic selfless act by rallying behind Robredo,” said Gustaham, whose father was one of the fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front and a victim of the Marcos regime.

Sheikh Fahad Haris, president of Almanara Foundation, agreed: “For us, Leni Robredo is the right person to lead the country. Only Robredo meets all the criteria we want for a president; she is not discriminatory.

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