Alvarez Silal Isnaji (born February 19, 1946 – died September 15, 2018) is a Filipino politician who served as acting governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) after Nur Misuari was removed in 2001. He briefly served as the governor of ARMM in September 3, 2001 until October 11, 2001 when Nur Misuari went on an official leave.[1] He was succeeded by Parouk Hussin on December 27, 2001.[2]

Alvarez Isnaji
Alvarez Isnaji serving as the Speaker of the House, Cotabato 2003.
Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
In office
September 3, 2001 – October 11, 2001
Preceded byNur Misuari
Succeeded byParouk Hussin
Military service
Allegiance Moro National Liberation Front

He is a member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). On April 4, 2002, Isnaji claimed to have been elected as chairman of the MNLF, which was disputed by founding chairman Nur Misuari. This effectively caused the creation of a faction of within the MNLF identified as the MNLF-Central Committee (MNLF-CC).[3]

Alvarez Isnaji elected as Mayor of Indanan in 2007.
Alvarez Isnaji with MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari

In 2007, Alvarez Isnaji was elected as the mayor of Indanan and the President of Mayor’s League -1st District.

In earlier 2008, during his term as mayor, he filed a candidacy running for governor in (2008 Armm General Election, Aug14 2008) challenging the incumbent, Zaldy Ampatuan. Alvarez Isnaji, known as “The Common Candidate“ is most likely going to win the election since he had been elected as governor back in 2001.

In June 2008, ABS-CBN news journalist Ces Drilon and her cameraman were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf militants group in Indanan, Sulu. Isnaji, then mayor was involved in the negotiations for the release of the abducted. Kidnapping for ransom charges would be filed against Isnaji and his son. Isnaji claimed that his involvement was done under the directive of Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno. The Abu Sayyaf militants alleged that they choose the Isnajis to negotiating in their behalf. The Isnajis were suspected to have planned the kidnapping themselves and to have taken portions of a supposed ransom paid for the Drilon and the cameraman's release.[4][5][6] The two were released and deemed innocent by a Manila-based court in 2010.[7] The Court of Appeals of the Philippines ordered for the revival of the case in 2011.[5]

Isnaji ran for governor in the 2008 ARMM election as an independent candidate and launched a campaign while detained due to the Drilon kidnapping case.[8]

Political career

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Alvarez Isnaji and his comrades, Tripoli Libya ,1978
  • Speaker of the House ARMM
  • Assemblyman RLA-ARMM
  • Regional Vice Governor of ARMM
  • Acting Regional Governor of ARMM
  • Cabinet Secretary DOST-ARMM
  • Municipality Mayor of Indanan (President of the Mayor’s League in the 1st District)

References

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  1. ^ "Alvarez S. Isnaji backgrounder". GMA News. June 20, 2008. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  2. ^ Unson, John (December 28, 2001). "Hussin finally takes over as ARMM governor". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on August 22, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2020.
  3. ^ "Misuari says he is still MNLF chairman". Gulf News. April 6, 2002. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  4. ^ "Sulu mayor, son charged". Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 20, 2008. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  5. ^ a b Reformina, Ina (November 3, 2003). "CA orders Ces Drilon kidnap case revived". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  6. ^ "MILF pushes for 'fair treatment' for Isnaji, son". GMA News. June 23, 2008. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  7. ^ "Jailed Sulu mayor, son implicated in kidnapping of TV reporter, 3 others freed". The Mindanao Examiner. April 12, 2010. Archived from the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  8. ^ Fernandez, Edwin; Alave, Kristine (August 11, 2008). "High-tech polls: No more 'Hello Garci'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved June 22, 2022.