Civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), particularly in Maguindanao, have asked the May 10 candidates for governor in the province to lay down their respective policy on civilian protection, internally displaced persons, among others, for the education of voters.

Moro CSOs want to hear the views and planned policies of the three gubernatorial candidates in Maguindanao, such as Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu (Lakas-KAMPI-CMD), Guindolongan Mayor Dato Mibpantao Midtimbang (Nacionalista Party), and Datu Odin Sinsuat Mayor Datu Ombra Sinsuat (Bagong Bayan Party).

Leaders of the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) led by its secretary general, Sammy Maulana, had their first meetings on April 6 with Mangudadatu in Buluan.

They cited the meetings' significance as reported by Luwaran.net.

"The activity aims to open a venue of understanding on the civilian protection; internally displaced persons (IDP), good governance and human rights issues and concerns, and peace and development initiatives," said Maulana.

In case he wins, Mangudadatu said his priorities in his first 100 days would "include improvement on such services as education, health, agro-loans, among other tangible programs. He also talked on the importance of a mobile hospital."