Malacañang on Friday mourned the passing of Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Datu Hj. Abul Khayr Dangcal Alonto, saying that the country remains grateful for his efforts in advancing the peace and development in Mindanao.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Palace expresses its deep sympathies and condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and loved ones of the late government official.
Alonto, at the age of 73, died late Wednesday due to heart and lung complications.
Alonto was appointed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in September 2016, becoming the first Muslim chairman and secretary of MinDA, bringing timely representation of the Bangsamoro to the overall socioeconomic development of Mindanao.
He served the government in various capacities before he became a member of Duterte's cabinet. He was elected as vice mayor of Marawi City in 1972 and became acting mayor of Marawi City in 1974. He was likewise elected as an assemblyman in 1979 and sat as the interim head of the Regional Autonomous Government.
MinDA said, Alonto, the first Muslim to head the agency, "selflessly and relentlessly fought for Mindanao until the end, a true warrior for development and advocate of peace."
According to the Palace official, Alonto “devoted his professional career in contributing to the socio-economic transformation of Mindanao from a land of promise to a land of fulfillment.”
“The 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,” Panelo said.
“We are going to miss his amiable and smiling presence. We pray Allah to grant him eternal repose of his soul,” he added.
His remains will be flown back to his hometown in Lanao del Sur on Friday. With PNA