In this May 18, 2015 photo, MNLF Chair Datu Abul Khayr Alonto speaks during a joint hearing of the Senate Committees on Local Government, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation, and Constitutional Amendments and Revion of Codes on the Bangsamoro Basic Law. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/Raffy Lerma
MANILA, Philippine 鈥� Malaca帽ang on Friday mourned the death of聽Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) Chairman Datu Hj. Abul Khayr Alonto.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said 鈥渢he Palace expresses its deep sympathies and condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the late Secretary Datu Abul Khayr Dangcal Alonto.鈥�
鈥淲e are going to miss his amiable and smiling presence.聽We pray Allah grant him eternal repose of his soul,鈥� Panelo said in a statement.
Alonto, 73, died in聽Quezon City due to complications from a heart problem.
Panelo said 鈥淎lonto served the government in various capacities before he became a member of President Rodrigo Duterte鈥檚 cabinet.鈥�
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Alonto was elected as Vice Mayor of Marawi City in 1972 and later became Acting Mayor of Marawi City in 1974.
In 1979, he was also elected as an assemblyman and sat as the interim head of the Regional Autonomous Government.
He was the first Muslim Chairperson and Secretary of MinDa.
Panelo said 鈥淎lonto devoted his professional career in contributing to the socioeconomic transformation of Mindanao from a land of promise to a land of fulfillment.鈥�
鈥淭he nation is grateful for his services and we are confident that his legacy would continue to inspire leaders, government workers, and people to advance the cause of peace and development in Mindanao,鈥� he said. /jpv