Esmail “Toto” Mangudadatu, Vice-Mayor of Buluan, Maguindanao, speaks out to clarify political issues being pointed at him recently. Mangudadatu has explained that an effort by Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard bearer Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. to deter him to run for governor against Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. in Maguindanao elections prior to the grim massacre of 57 persons last November 23 was not intended at removing him from the political picture but a “sincere advice from a friend” wanting to protect him from potential hostility from the controversial Ampatuan clan.

Mangudadatu, whose wife Gennalyn was among the victims of the ill-fated massacre in Ampatuan town, also reiterated his support to Teodoro’s candidacy in a press conference held at the Linden Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

“Alam n’yo, ‘party man ako,’ at ang aking support kay Secretary Gilbert Teodoro ay hindi nababahiran yan at hindi maaalis ang aking support sa kanya (You know, I am a ‘party man,’ and my support to Secretary Gilberto Teodoro will never change),” Mangudadatu said.

“At yung mga sinabi Secretary Gibo noon ay pagmamahal bilang isang kaibigan (The advice given to me by Secretary Gibo came from a ‘true friend’),” he added.

Mangudadatu also wrote out a message with regards to the negative responses from several sectors when he disclosed during a hearing of the Maguindanao massacre case a few days ago that Teodoro advised him not to pursue Andal Sr. in the gubernatorial race because he well thought him out as “a violent person.” Mangudadatu’s statement generated critiques against the former defense chief for allegedly failing to render protection to his family, and as a result led to the most horrific massacre incident in Philippines’ history. Some gave their wrong interpretations about Mangudadatu’s claims as Teodoro was in favor of the Ampatuan over him in relation to the tense political intramurals in Maguindanao province.

“They should not blame Secretary Gibo because he does not have operational control over the military forces in our area. The military commanders in the field are the ones in charge in the operations,” Mangudadatu stressed out.