The backlash against Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia continues to escalate as a Moro group, 1Bangsa, threatens to boycott his re-election bid and businesses, including the Amaya View resort, unless he issues a public apology to Muslims and presents a plan to support anti-discrimination initiatives. Additionally, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia announced a show cause order against Unabia for sexist remarks made during a campaign sortie in Gingoog City. The governor’s comments in Balingasag town, where he allegedly warned voters against candidates supported by politicians from Marawi and linked them to criminality, sparked outrage among Muslim leaders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). 1Bangsa National president Maulana Balangi condemned the remarks as “hate speech” and demanded a public forum with BARMM leaders and a formal apology. Unabia issued a public apology, stating his remarks were misinterpreted and meant to address safety concerns, but Muslim leaders remain unsatisfied. Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. urged politicians to be cautious with their statements to avoid deepening divisions between Christians and Muslims.
