By Aquiles Zonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao—Escorted by soldiers, policemen and supporters on a 50-vehicle convoy, Buluan, Maguindanao Mayor Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu filed his certificate of candidacy under the administration coalition for the gubernatorial race before the provincial office of the Commission on Elections here around 11 a.m. Friday.
Mangudadatu, accompanied by Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilbert Teodoro, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Major General Raymundo Ferrer and Director Felizardo Serapio of the Western Mindanao police's directorate for integrated police operation, handed his COC to Maguindanao acting comelec supervisor Estelita B. Orbase.
With the COC is a nomination from the ruling party, signed by national president and Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez and Teodoro.
"This is now the beginning of new politics in Maguindanao," declared the challenger to the hold of the Ampatuan clan on Maguindanao politics.
Mangudadatu was composed but was obviously holding back his emotions.
On Monday, his wife Genalyn and some members of the Mangudadatu clan tried to file his COC but they were instead murdered in Ampatuan town.
Among those who were slaughtered were journalists covering the filing.
Mangudadatu's filing of his candidacy is a big story as it is the first time that the Ampatuan's hold on power was directly challenged.
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