MAGUINDANAO del Sur Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, the only female governor in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, continues to win the hearts of voters as she fearlessly leads her Team Agila campaign across the province, despite facing political harassment.
According to the latest Bangsamoro Poll Survey conducted from April 17 to 22, 2025, Governor Bai Mariam secured a dominant 91.4 percent voter preference, reaffirming her stronghold in the race for the province’s governorship.
Her opponent, Datu Ali Midtimbang of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), garnered just eight percent support.
The vast gap between the two candidates reflects the enduring trust and confidence that the people of Maguindanao del Sur place in Gov. Bai Mariam’s leadership and governance.
Amid the campaign, Midtimbang and his ally, UBJP candidate Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu, have been listed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) among those allegedly involved in vote-buying activities. Both have denied the accusations, insisting that the funds distributed were legitimate donations from their supporter, Mayor Malik Mamasabulod.
Under Comelec rules, candidates found guilty of vote-buying or vote-selling face disqualification from the elections, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations. PR