Sulu officials suspended over filing of SALN

ZAMBOANGA CITY—The Ombudsman has suspended Sulu Vice Gov. Abdusakur Tan, his sons Sulu Gov. Abdusakur II and Maimbung, Sulu, Mayor Samier, and another official over the mandatory filing of statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

In an order dated Sept. 27, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales suspended the elder Tan, Samier, and former Lugus, Sulu, Mayor Al-Zhudurie Asmadun after finding them guilty of violating Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713. The elder Tan and Samier will not be receiving salaries for six months.

In the case of Asmadun, the Ombudsman said “in the event that the penalty of suspension can no longer be enforced due to respondents’ separation from the service, the penalty shall be converted into a fine in an amount equivalent to respondents’ salaries for six months.”

As for Abdusakur II, the Ombudsman said he would be suspended without pay for one month for his “simple neglect of duty.”

The case against the Tans and Asmadun was brought up by the elder Tan’s political rival, Temogen Tulawie. The latter had asked for copies of the officials’ SALN and found out the following:

Abdusakur II filed unverified SALNs for 2013 and 2014.

The elder Tan did not file any SALN for 2001-2004; and 2007-2012. The elder Tan served as Sulu governor from 2001-2004, 2007-2010, 2010-2013.

Samier failed to file his SALN for 2010 and 2011 while Asmadun did not file his SALNs from 2001-2004 and 2006. He was Lugus mayor in 2001-2004, 2004-2007 and 2007-2010.