Cotabato City, Philippines โ The province of Lanao del Sur and its capital, Marawi City, are in mourning following the passing of former governor Bedjoria Soraya Alonto-Adiong on Friday, December 27.
The 82-year-old ex-governor, who was active in socio-economic and peacebuilding initiatives during her tenure, leaves behind a legacy of dedicated public service.
Alonto-Adiong, the mother of incumbent Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr., was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic traditions at a cemetery on the border of Marawi City and Ditsaan Ramain town. Islamic customs dictate that the deceased be buried within 24 hours of death.
Condolences Pour In
Expressions of sympathy have poured in from local leaders across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and nearby regions.
Cotabato Province Governor Emmylou Taliรฑo-Mendoza, a non-Moro leader from Region 12, conveyed her condolences to the grieving Adiong and Alonto families on Sunday, December 29.
โWe share in the grief of the Adiong and Alonto clans in Lanao del Sur,โ said Taliรฑo-Mendoza, who also chairs the inter-agency Regional Development Council 12. Her statement was broadcast widely on radio stations in Central Mindanao.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, along with key officials such as Health Minister Kadil Sinolinding, Jr., Transportation and Communications Minister Paisalin Tago, and Labor and Employment Minister Muslimin Sema, also offered their condolences. Ebrahim described Alonto-Adiong as a noble figure in the Maranao community, whose contributions to peace and development resonate deeply within the region.
A Legacy of Leadership
Alonto-Adiong hailed from a prominent Maranao family. Her father, Ahmad D. Alonto, served as a senator in the late 1960s until martial law was declared in 1972 by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. Her late husband, Mamintal Adiong, Sr., also served three consecutive terms as Lanao del Sur governor before his passing in 2004.
The Adiong and Alonto families have long been supporters of the national governmentโs peace efforts with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Their advocacy for unity and dialogue has contributed significantly to the success of the BARMMโs five-year governance under the framework of the peace process.
Tributes from the Military
High-ranking military officials also extended their sympathies.
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Philippine Army, and Major Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, acting chief of the militaryโs Western Mindanao Command, offered their condolences to the bereaved family. Their messages highlighted the former governorโs impact on fostering peace and stability in the region.
The passing of Alonto-Adiong marks the end of an era for Lanao del Sur, as residents remember her unwavering commitment to public service and the well-being of her people. Her contributions to socio-economic development and peacebuilding efforts will continue to inspire future generations.
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