PFP bets score decisive wins in BARMM polls

Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) candidates have secured significant victories and leads in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections, according to the party and unofficial results.

PFP National President and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., who was reelected 13 May, lauded the party's performance and expressed gratitude for the successful conduct of the elections in the region.  

As of 5 p.m. of 15 May, based on unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) server, PFP candidates won key positions.

Esmael ‘Toto’ Mangudadatu was proclaimed winner for the lone congressional district of Maguindanao del Sur. Datu Tucao Mastura won the governorship of Maguindanao del Norte, and Ali Midtimbang won the governorship of Maguindanao del Sur.  

In Basilan, nine PFP candidates are leading in local races, including Oric Furigay for Lamitan City mayor, while six are ahead in the vice mayoral race.

Seven PFP candidates for mayor and seven for vice mayor are leading in Tawi-Tawi. In Lanao del Sur, three mayoral candidates and one vice mayoral bet are ahead. In Maguindanao del Norte, five mayoral and five vice mayoral candidates are leading, while in Maguindanao del Sur, six mayoral and five vice mayoral candidates are ahead.

Additionally, nine PFP congressional candidates are leading in the initial Comelec tally.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the PFP’s national chairman, stressed the importance of unity in governance.

“Governance is a shared responsibility, a mission that requires unity and burden sharing for the common good,” Marcos said. He congratulated the winning, proclaimed, and leading candidates from PFP and other coalitions, urging them to prioritize unity.

“To the newly elected, regardless of party or coalition, I extend my hand. Let us move forward together—with open minds and common purpose,” the President said.

Tawi-Tawi is a stronghold for PFP, with the party appearing to secure the majority of local positions in its 10 municipalities.

At least 10 PFP candidates are leading in the official count for gubernatorial, vice gubernatorial, congressional, and provincial board member races across BARMM.

These include Yshmael Sali for governor in Tawi-Tawi, Al-syed Sali as vice governor of the same province, and Jim Hataman Salliman as vice governor of Basilan.