Featured image above shows ex-ARMM governor Datu Zacaria A. Candao (center) in Mina, Saudi Arabia, during Hajj season in March 2000. Then Lanao del Sur Gov. Manhid Mutilan is at extreme right. Dr. Abas A. Candao is second from left. Candao led pilgrims from ARMM on invitation of Saudi King Fahad bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud for free pilgrimage. (File photo: SDN)
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MANILA, August 13, 2026 (SDN) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has granted Atty. Zacaria Candao, absolute pardon, along with others.
The Maguindanaon leader, from 1990 to 1993 became the first governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) during the then-President Corazon C. Aquino’s administration.
Marcos’ absolute pardon is a result of a long-standing appeal the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament made as laid out in BTA Resolution No. 413 dated October 24, 2023.
The resolution was issued at the time of and signed by the late Parliament Speaker Atty. Pangalian Ali Balindong, titled “Resolution Humbly and Earnestly Appealing to His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to Grant former ARMM Governor Datu Zacaria A. Candao, former ARMM Executive Secretary Dr. Abas Candao, and Mr. Israel Haron”. BTA Parliament Secretary General Prof. Raby B. Angkal certified correct the resolution.
Zacaria Candao at the time of the appeal was 80 years old.
Only the President has the power, under Article VII, Section 19 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, to grant absolute pardon which, is ” a total, unconditional forgiveness of a crime…removes criminal liability, ends punishments, and gives back civil and political rights.”
Candao was for Lupon ng Tagapagpaganap Region XII, former governor of undivided Maguindanao Province, one of the stalwarts of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), their legal counsel, among other functions in the past. — EDD K. USMAN (√)