THE backlash against Misamis Oriental Governor Pedro Unabia continue to rage here as more Muslim groups called on their brothers to stop patronizing Amaya View, a swanky resort he owns located at the highest peak of Cagayan de Oro, and other of his business products.
1Bangsa, a multisectoral group of Bangsamoro leaders, threatened to issue a “Fatwa” against Unabia unless the governor issue a public apology to the Muslims and present a plan to support anti-discrimination initiatives in Misamis Oriental.
And as if the troubles of governor Unabia are not enough, Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia said they will issue a show cause order against him for making sexist remarks on the nursing profession during a campaign sortie in Gingoog City last week.
But it was the remarks allegedly made by Unabia against Muslims that triggered the anger from officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
In another campaign sortie in Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental, Unabia allegedly warned voters not to support candidates being supported by politicians from Marawi and suggested their alleged ties to criminality.
Unabia allegedly showed photos during the rally of attacks and ambushes telling the voters if they wanted these kind of criminality to spread in Misamis Oriental.
His son, Christian, is seeking reelection in Misamis Oriental’s 1st District and is facing lawyer Karen Lagbas who is said to have a relationship with a prominent political figure in Lanao del Sur.
1Bangsa National President Maulana Balangi condemned the remarks made by Unabia in Balingasag town labeling it as a “hate speech” directed against Muslims.
“We view this as a deliberate attack against the dignity of Muslims,” Balangi said in an open letter to Govenor Unabia.
Balangi demanded that Unabia should meet with BARMM leaders in a public forum and issue a public apology.
Otherwise, Balangi said they would call on Muslims to boycott “Sr. Pedro Lachon Manok” a business owned by Unabia which have nationwide outlets.
Balangi said the would also call on Muslim religious leaders to issue a “Fatwa” against Unabia urging Muslim voters not to vote for him.
Unabia issued a public statement apologizing for his remarks made during the campaign sortie in Balingasag town adding he has the highest respect for the local Muslim community in Misamis Oriental.
He said his political opponents have capitalized on his remarks and have “blown it out of porpotions.”
“The message was meant to raise awareness about specific local safety concerns — particularly the circulation of counterfeit money and the arrival of unfamiliar individuals,” Unabia said.
Unabia said the Maranao community has a deep and proud heritage and has contributed to the culture, peace and progress of Misamis Oriental.
“As a family, we have long-standing and meaningful relationship with many Maranaos — people we considered not just friends but partners, Unabia said.
The apology of Unabia did not appease Muslim leaders who continue to issue statements raising their concerns.
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr., cautioned Unabia to be wary and careful in their remarks in public because they may cause discord and division among Christians and Muslims.
“Maranaos have always felt that Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental are their second homes. Parents entrust the education of their children to the academic institutions of the area,” Adiong said.
