Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari and actor Robin Padilla have joined prominent Christian politicians in endorsing the candidacy of Nacionalista Party senatorial bet Adel Tamano, who pursues a bandwagon for renewed Muslim representation to the Senate.

In a handwritten note to Tamano dated Dec. 9, Padilla, who has embraced Islam with “Abdulaziz” as his Muslim name, wished the young lawyer and former opposition spokesman well in his political journey.

“May Allah guide you and give you success,” Padilla’s note read.

Tamano expressed his gratitude to Padilla for his show of support, saying: “I am extremely grateful to Robin for his trust and confidence. Rest assured that I would continue to protect not only the rights of our fellow Muslims but of all Filipinos. Hopefully, if I get the privilege to serve in the Senate, I will help foster peace and acceptance.”

An Australia-backed peace-building group, in a separate statement, said it has been trying to address the widespread “biases of non-Muslims” on the wellbeing of Muslims in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila, Luzon and the Visayas.

Misuari, for his part, virtually endorsed Tamano before hundreds of MNLF commanders and leaders when he invited the senatorial bet to be guest of honor during the 5th Bangsamoro National Assembly. Tamano was the only national politician allowed to attend the event.

Tamano, the first Filipino Muslim scholar and graduate of Harvard Law School, was earlier endorsed in published reports by Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno and North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Piñol.

Moreno and Piñol claimed that Tamano’s election to the Senate would give a meaning to the continuous campaign for national unity.