Vice President Leni Robredo got a critical shot in the arm Monday leading into the homestretch of the campaign for the May 9 national elections when several Muslim groups declared their switch to the camp of the only woman contender of the presidential derby.
In a press conference in Zamboanga City, Sheikh Mahir Gustahaman, chair of the United Imams of the Philippines-Zambasulta Region, led a group that formally declared their all-out support to the Vice President, saying that it’s part of their patriotic duty.
The group used to be identified with Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso.
Also in the group were Sheikh Fahad Haris, president of Almanara Foundation, Inc.; Sheikh Musial Harun, president of Kulliyatud Dirasat Al Islamiya College of Islamic Studies; Sheikh Yahya Totong, president of Muslim Leaders Assembly; S. UST. Abdulmubin Dalun, president of Basilan Huffadz Al-Qur-Anil Karin Association, Inc.; Prof. Abdulham Mohammad, president of Maluso Madaris Association; and Prof. Alzad Saitar, Member of Parliament, BARMM.
The event was highlighted by the group’s formation of IM k Leni, or Isang Mamamayan kay Leni movement, where Ikaw Muna (IM) Pilipinas members of Zamboanga were now joined by Muslim leaders from all over the region.
Mayor Hani Bud of Maluso, Basilan, representing Robredo, welcomed their pledge of support, stressing the increasing number of new converts to the camp of the Vice President is indicative of the snowballing trend of the VP’s campaign.
“As of now, all indicators point to the snowballing momentum of VP Leni’s campaign,” Bud said.
According to the group, no less than 100,000 of its members nationwide, mostly coming from the ranks of the youth, would be involved in the campaign to ensure Robredo’s victory in the May 9 polls.