Sulu gov vows to support Aquino administration

SULU, Philippines — Reelected Sulu Governor Sakur Tan formally took his oath Wednesday during inauguration rites attended by thousands of supporters at the provincial capitol where he also vowed to support the Aquino administration. "Although I was honored to be invited to the inauguration of our 15th president, Benigno Aquino III, I opted to be with my own people on this day, not out of disrespect for our new President. I’m sure that the new President understands that our people are the ones that put presidents, senators, congressmen, governors and the rest of elected officials in power and authority," Tan said in his speech. "To be among you, the people, is not a measure of loyalty or of patronage, but rather, the practical reality which recognizes the fact on where sovereignty truly resides," he added. Moments later, he told reporters: "We are fully supportive of President Aquino. We will support his good government programs." Tan won by a landslide against his two opponents – former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Rep. Munir Arbison – in the May 10 polls. Top US and Philippine military officials and various leaders of civil society groups and non-government organizations were also present during Tan’s inauguration. Tan vowed to continue his peace and development programs and to hasten local economy by enhancing trade and investments not only in Mindanao, but neighboring countries such as Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, and in return provide livelihood and jobs to locals. The three Asian countries also make up the East Asia Growth Area, a sub-regional economic cooperation initiative in Southeast Asia that included the Philippines. Call for unity "We are pursuing with vigor trade and other investments with our neighbor – Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia – and hopefully forge sisterhood and trade agreements between these countries. We will also continue peace and development programs and other projects vital to the economy and progress of Sulu," Tan told reporters. Tan called on citizens and his political opponents to work together for peace and progress of the province. "Election campaigns are always divisive as some electorates are emotionally attached to their candidates. The heat of the campaign has now subsided and I call on everyone to begin the season of healing, as I call on, even my political opponents to join in our efforts to effect the changes that Sulu desperately needs," he said. Brigadier General Rustico Guerrero, commander of military forces in Sulu province, accompanied by his commanders and members of the US Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines, later met with Tan and discussed future humanitarian projects. Filipino and American soldiers deployed in Sulu have been active in many humanitarian, development and infrastructure projects that benefitted mostly poor Muslims in different areas in the province. Tan’s order to the police and military is to strictly enforce the total gun ban in Sulu and stop the proliferation of illegal weapons in the province. He also told authorities to curb illegal drugs in Sulu. A number of armed groups proliferate in Sulu, including remnants of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf. — Al Jacinto/RSJ, GMANews.TV