MEMBERS of the ruling coalition party Lakas-Kampi-CMD in Sulu have withdrawn their support and endorsement for Vice Governor Hadja Nur-Ana I. Sahidulla as the party's standard-bearer for the second congressional district.

In a letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is the chairman of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD coalition, through Eduardo Ermita, president of the same party, at least 20 incumbent mayors and board members of the province, representing the provincial party leadership, jointly and collectively withdrew their support and earlier endorsement for Sahidulla, who they earlier said was endorsed as the party's standard-bearer for Sulu's second district.

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The same signatories said they would not also endorse Sahidulla for any elective position in the forthcoming 2010 elections.

"The Provincial Party Hierarchy is in the process of selecting the best candidate to represent the Lakas-Kampi-CMD for the second congressional district seat who is truly representative of the ideals and principles of the party and will make representation to the National Party hierarchy on the matter in due time," the letter, singed by the 20 party-members, said.

Signatories to the letter were Mayors Hussin Amin (Jolo town), Hussin Ahajan (Indanan), Hadji Munib Estino (Panglima Estino town), Kabir Hayudini (Patikul), Hadji Gafur Abdurajak (Panamao), Hadja Nedra Burahan (Panglima Tahil), Arthur Muksan (Siasi), Hadja Sitti Raya Tulawie (Talipao), Hatta Berto (Pandami), Rizal Tingkahan (Parang), Mansul Aradais (Lugus) and Nurmina Burahan (Pata).

Eight board members of the province manifested the same intention in the same letter that was sent to Malacanang on November 4. These include Board Members Al-Khadar Loong (first district), Al-Bakil Jikiri (first district), Hector Buclao (second district), Khalil Hajibin (second district), Nurhatta Salahudddin (Sectoral), Basaron Burahan (Sectoral), Moh. Bhydir Sarapuddin (Ex-officio/PCL president), and Malcom Tulawie (FABC president).

The same letter was furnished to Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) regional chairman of Lakas-Kampi-CMD, in the person of Armm Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan and Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, provincial chairman of the ruling coalition party. (CO)