Dong Mangudadatu: Christians, Muslims are one

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate and Maguindanao leader Dong Mangudadatu is taking the challenge of breaking the barriers between Christians and Muslims for the sake of cultural unity.  

“My priority advocacy is breaking the barriers between the Muslims and Christians and how to change the perception of my Christian brothers towards my Filipino-Muslim brothers,” Mangudadatu, an experienced local leader, said.

He said Christians and Muslims have the same God, “we are just serving differently.”

“We need to unite so our country will be more progressive,” said Mangudadatu, whose five advocacies are anchored on P.E.A.C.E. – Prosperity, Education, Agriculture, Cultural Unity and Energy.

Mangudadatu said cultural unity would enable a country to quickly advance towards a better future as people unite regardless of race, beliefs and language.

“Whether we admit it or not, sometimes when people learn we are Muslim, they consider me a terrorist. If I am indigenous, they consider me dark and thus issue various putdowns,” Mangudadatu said in Filipino.

He said discrimination impacts on the country’s peace and progress.

“Discrimination has a strong effect… there’s an invisible barrier that divides us and prevents our coming together,” he said.   

Mangudadatu believes that difference in religious beliefs, ethnicity and dialect should never be a barrier to cultural unity because “we are all Filipinos.”

“Even if Muslim, I studied and grew up among Christians. I know how to pray the rosary even if I follow the Koran. In other words I understand our cultural sensitivities,” he stressed.

Mangudadatu earned the support of President Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio who believe in his advocacies, especially peace in Mindanao and promoting the interest of Muslim Filipinos.

In Congress, Mangudadatu has been the voice of Mindanao, actively promoting the interest of the indigenous peoples and Filipino Muslims as senior vice chairman of the committees on Muslim and Mindanao affairs, and member of the committee on indigenous cultural communities.

Duterte likewise looks to Mangudadatu to help unite all tribes and promote peace in Mindanao.

Mangudadatu was former Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president of Buluan municipality for six years and became mayor of Pandag town in Maguindanao. His inclusion in PDP-Laban stems from Duterte’s declaration that a Muslim leader in the senatorial lineup is a must.