Esmael Mangudadatu

Esmael Gaguil Mangudadatu is a Filipino politician currently serving as the representative for the lone district of Maguindanao del Sur. A long-time public servant, he previously served as the representative for Maguindanao's 2nd district from 2019 to 2022 and as the governor of Maguindanao from 2010 to 2019. His political career began in local government, serving as a provincial board member, mayor of Buluan, and vice mayor. Mangudadatu gained international attention following the 2009 Maguindanao massacre, in which his wife and several family members were killed while traveling to file his candidacy for governor. He holds a degree in political science from the University of Mindanao.