Unabia faces backlash for anti-Maranao comments

Misamis Oriental Governor Peter Unabia has faced significant backlash for remarks made during a campaign rally that insinuated Maranaos would bring criminality to his province if candidates with Bangsamoro ties gained power.

Unabia's son, Christian, is running against Karen Lagbas, who reportedly has connections to prominent Meranaw politicians. Unabia used slides of photos showing attacks in the Bangsamoro region during his speech.

His comments were condemned as discriminatory by Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr., who urged for deeper cultural understanding and peace-building efforts.

The Bangsamoro regional government also denounced Unabia's remarks, while Muslim students from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan called the rhetoric hate speech that promotes division.

Groups like One Bangsamoro Movement are calling for a business boycott of Unabia’s enterprises and a persona non grata declaration in BARMM. They have also demanded a public apology and support for anti-discrimination initiatives from him.