SENATORIAL candidate Samira Gutoc commended Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domogoso for his commitment to Muslim communities.

Gutoc said she admires Domagoso’s efforts to make Muslims and their role in the country’s history “visible in Manila.”

“Mindanao is one of his narratives when we met,” Gutoc said, adding that her first encounter with the mayor was during discussions on the establishment of a 2,400-square meter Muslim cemetery in Manila.

The Moro civic leader was hopeful that Domagoso can replicate Manila’s success in Marawi.

“If you (Domagoso) can do it in Manila, you can do it in Marawi, which had to have five years of rehabilitation,” she said.

She pointed out that Aksyon Demokratiko could have chosen politicians from big political clans but it chose a candidate “whom the marginalized can relate to.”

“They have this affinity of ‘One Mindanao’. It’s either Pacman or Sara. But then you show that in between, tayo ay mahirap, pareho tayo, poorest of the poor – makaka-relate po ‘yung kwento,” Gutoc said.