Ex-Maguindanao congressman Didagen Dilangalen dies

Former Maguindanao congressman Didagen “Digs” Dilangalen died on Saturday, November 6. He was 67.

His daughter, Bai Donna Dilangalen, shared on her Facebook account that the ex-lawmaker died on Saturday morning.

“We sincerely ask for your prayers in this trying time,” she added.

Dilangalen served as representative of the first district of Maguindanao from 1995 to 2004 and from 2007 to 2010.

In his last term, the first district of Maguindanao became the province of Shariff Kabunsuan, but the Supreme Court nullified that’s province’s creation in 2008.

Dilangalen ran for a Senate seat in 2004, but did not make it into the top 12.

Senator Imee Marcos, Bai Sandra Sema – who succeeded Dilangalen in Congress in 2010 – and Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament Deputy Speaker Zia Alonto Adiong were among those who expressed their condolences to Dilangalen’s family.

Dilangalen was one of the lawyers of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the congressional canvassing of votes for vice president in the 2016 elections.

Adiong also recalled being impressed by Dilangalen’s speeches and interviews back when Adiong was a college student.

“I was instantly smitten by the sharpness of his wits, the brilliance of his rhetoric coupled with bold display of conviction every time he stands arguing for the rights and welfare of his people,” said Adiong. He then said Dilangalen was one of his role models when he joined government.

“Thank you, Cong. Dilangalen for the service. You inspired many of us in our generation to follow your tracks, at least on my part,” he added. – Rappler.com