2 Lakas governors ask Aquino to retain Robredo

Two governors from Mindanao who belong to the political party of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has asked President Benigno Aquino to retain Secretary Jesse Robredo as head of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) acting Gov. Ansaruddin Alonto Adiong and his brother, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., said Robredo still has the confidence of local government officials in the southern Philippine region. “Given his sterling achievements, we believe he can successfully reform the concerned institution," said Ansaruddin of Robredo, a former Naga City mayor and recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay award. Robredo has been appointed to head the DILG only in an acting capacity as Aquino earlier admitted having "differences in style" with him. Ansaruddin, who concurrently sits as the DILG-ARMM regional secretary, also said Robredo should not be judged solely for what happened during the August 23 hostage incident in Manila that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead. “We also believe that the integrity, competence and trust on Sec. Robredo must never be put into doubt on that incident alone." Mamintal urged President Aquino not to discount Robredo’s contributions to the Muslim communities in the Philippines. “Since [he] assumed office, he has initiated plans and programs to reach out to Muslim communities. Given his style of leadership, we believe he can bring much needed reforms in the DILG," he said. The five provinces under the ARMM are Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. The Lanao del Sur governor stressed that “justice" should be given to Robredo amid persistent calls for his resignation due to the government’s failure to properly handle the hostage tragedy. The DILG oversees the functions of the Philippine National Police (PNP). “To our mind, this is unfair and unjust for a man whose integrity, competence and dedication have brought him to what he is now," Mamintal added. The two Mindanao governors were not the first public officials to throw support to the embattled DILG secretary. Among Robredo’s supporters are former Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca and former Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio. [See: Groups push for Robredo's retention in Cabinet] - Mark Dalan Merueñas/KBK, GMANews.TV