SEVERAL Muslim groups and the Supreme Council of Datus Alimaong (SCODA) in Cebu City yesterday declared their support for Team Rama.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama was grateful for the support. He said Team Rama has had “a good relationship” with the Muslim community.
“I’ve been so proud and really feel elated that they have not abandoned me,” Rama said in a press conference yesterday.
There are about 9,300 registered voters from the Muslim community in Cebu City. Around 1,400 are registered in Barangay Ermita alone.
SCODA president Floro Velarde Jr., also known as Datu “Tatay” Hadar, said Rama has the right attitude to be the leader of Cebu City.
Sarip Sultan Alonto, head of Muslim Visayas Dawah Association, said they have seen how Rama has been supporting the Muslims in Cebu. In return, he said their group will support his candidacy.
Other Muslim community heads who attended the press conference were: Ermita Muslim Community’s Mike Bao, Muslim Vendor Association’s Datu Bebot Aminola, Sugbuanon Maranao Vendors Association Corporation’s (SMVA-COR) Alexander Dimapunong, and Hadji Rasul Abangon, president of the Cebu Muslim Vendor’s Association.
Meanwhile, Rama said he was confident of getting some votes from Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members despite the lack of endorsement.
“I’m not taking it against them. They have their own parameters, but I am pretty sure local members (of INC), just like last year, they’ve always been, in heart and in mind, for the mayor,” said Rama.