SHARIFF AGUAK, MAGUINDANAO — In a bold and emotional speech before thousands of supporters, Governor Bai Mariam Mangudadatu finally broke her silence on the growing rift within the once-powerful Maguindanao Family Alliance, stating key figures of betrayal, manipulation, and selfish ambition.
Addressing the crowd at one of the largest Team Agila proclamation rallies in Shariff Aguak, the governor recounted how her mission to unify Maguindanao’s leading clans was systematically undermined from within.
“May mga kondisyon pala. Akala ko, for the sake of peace... unification in the whole Province of Maguindanao," she said.
Mangudadatu revealed that in 2019, she was urged by respected elders to run for governor — a call she initially declined due to the complicated dynamics with the Midtimbang family. But out of loyalty and respect for tradition, she was convinced.
Over time, however, the alliance turned toxic.
According to the governor, repeated political favors were demanded by the Midtimbangs, costing her credibility and creating friction with key officials in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) government.
A breaking point came when she followed an instruction from Elder Kagui Ali Midtimbang to install Datu Fajad Midtimbang in Talitay — sparking controversy and ultimately damaging her political standing.
“I made enemies for standing up for the very people who set me up,” she said, referring to her fallout with Barmm leaders.
Worsening matters, her own vice governor, Nathaniel Midtimbang, began pushing decisions that favored his family over the province’s interests.
“This is history repeating itself,” Mangudadatu said, referencing the 2010 family rift that led to defeat and years of stagnation for Maguindanao.
Now, with the elder Midtimbang joining forces with Toto Mangudadatu under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the once-strong alliance stands shattered — setting the stage for a fierce political battle.
Mangudadatu’s message was clear: she is no longer bound by forced loyalties and will stand firm — alone if needed — for transparent, principled leadership in Maguindanao. PR