Dr. Zulficar “Bong” Panda (Photo from his Facebook page)
COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao, Philippines — Dr. Zulficar Panda, a veterinarian, was proclaimed mayor of Sultan Mastura town in this province on Tuesday by the Municipal Board of Canvassers (MBOC).
Panda, who ran under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rival, garnered 5,817 votes, or just 22 votes over his rival, Armando Mastura Jr., who got 5,795 votes.
However, Panda’s running mate, Sweary Darping, lost to Andy Amir.
Four of Panda’s party mates made it to the municipal council.
Panda resigned from the Cotabato City Office of Veterinary Services last year to enter politics.
“It’s God’s will, thank you all for your support,” Panda said.
In Cotabato City, the partial and unofficial count showed former Councilor Bruce Matabalao, a UBJP candidate, leading the mayoralty race with 29,812 votes against reelectionist Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi’s 22,939, with results from 78% of elections returns transmitted.
In Maguindanao’s gubernatorial race, reelectionist Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu of Nacionalista Party is leading the race against Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu of the UBJP.
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