Tan, Arbison friends again; Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi rejoice

SULU – Tausugs have rejoiced the peace pact between Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and Deputy Speaker Munir Arbison and even those in the Muslim provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi supported the reconciliation of the two powerful and influential politicians in the South.

A photo posted by Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali shows her (left) and Deputy Speaker Munir Arbison, (2nd from left) and Sulu Governor Sakur Tan (3rd from left) and Arbison's wife Maryam, and also Sahali's father, former Tawi-Tawi Governor Sadikul Sahali. 

Tan and Arbison embraced the peace accord and promising to pursue peace and development, and unity for everyone.

Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali and his father, former Governor Sadikul Sahali and their allies witnessed the peace pact. “I am happy to witness this historic moment (between) Governor Sakur Tan, of Sulu, and Congressman Munir Arbison. And witnessed by Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman, Sulu mayors, my father, family and supporters in a peace pact that would usher in peace and development to Sulu,” Sahali said.

Sahali also posted photos and videos of the reconciliation with Tan alongside Arbison and other personalities, including Hataman.

Photos by Jaques Tutong

And just recently, Tan led a huge delegation to Arbison’s stronghold in Luuk town in Sulu’s 2^nd legislative district and met with the lawmaker’s family and allies. Tan was accompanied by his wife, Nurunisah Tan and son, Vice Governor Toto Tan; and mayors and provincial board members, and other politicians.

Tan and Arbison were not only former allies, but also close friends due to the relationships of their families, but politics eventually divided them.

“It was a warm welcome for Governor Tan’s party and the talks were very cordial and respectful and we are all happy, so happy that they are again friends and political allies. Some can’t even hold back their tears, their emotion is so strong that this reconciliation between former friends is just what they have prayed for,” one of Tan’s supporters, who asked not to be named, told the Mindanao Examiner. (Mindanao Examiner)