BY ASANGAN T MADALE
MARAWI CITY – This was the rallying cry of the local government, employees, and residents of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, during a thanksgiving celebration held at the Municipal Gymnasium on August 21, 2024. The event featured a brief program followed by the release of balloons and doves, symbolizing unity, love, and peace.
In his message, Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat could not hold back his “tears of joy” as he reflected on the sacrifices he and his wife, One Maguindanao Elected Vice-Governor Bai Ainee Sinsuat, and Vice-Mayor Datu Sajid Sinsuat, Alhadj, made to bring the true voice of the people of Datu Odin Sinsuat to the highest court.
The mayor expressed deep gratitude to Allah and to the people who played significant roles in the success of their petition in the Supreme Court, preventing the plebiscite that aimed to divide the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality.
The “Alhamdulillah, Solid DOS, Solid Tayo” Thanksgiving Kanduli was attended by prominent figures, including former Vice-Governor Datu Bimbo Sinsuat, Former Congressman Datu Roonie Sinsuat, Former Mayor Cheryl Mary Rose Ann Lu-Sinsuat, One Maguindanao Vice Governor Bai Ainee Sinsuat, Former Mayor Datu Manot Sinsuat, Datu sa Dinaig Datu Ombra Sinsuat,Jr,Alhadj, Vice-Mayor Datu Sajid Sinsuat,Alhadj, Board Member Datu Rommel Sinsuat, Senior Councilor Datu Mohamad Sinsuat, LNB President Bai Ivie Rose Sinsuat, LNB Vice-President Bai Sharifa Sinsuat at ilang miyembro ng pamilya ng Datu Balabaran Clan.
The mayor thanked those who were instrumental in the case’s success in the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, the people of Lanao del Sur celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision against the creation of three municipalities in Maguindanao del Norte, declared “unconstitutional” by top officials. This ruling inspired the residents of Wao, Lanao del Sur, in their fight against a proposal by the Bangsamoro Parliament to divide their town, following the Supreme Court’s rejection of similar plans in Maguindanao del Norte.
Wao Mayor Elvino Balicao, Jr., along with Christian and Muslim leaders, expressed their joy over the Supreme Court’s decision. Mayor Balicao mentioned plans to consult with legal experts to dismiss the proposal by BARMM Parliament Member Babao to create Pilintangan municipality in Wao.
Prominent Maranao local government officials in Lanao del Sur noted that Babao, who authored the controversial proposal, lacks political connections and support in their province. His name only gained attention after widespread protests in Wao against his initiative to split the town.
