Yusop Jikiri facts for kids
Yusop Jikiri (born 1954 – died 2020) was an important Filipino leader and politician. He was a key figure in the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a group that worked for self-rule in the southern Philippines. He served as the governor of Sulu Province from 2001 to 2004. Later, he was also a representative for Sulu's 1st District in the Philippine Congress from 2007 to 2010.
Early Life
Yusop Jikiri was born in 1951 in Indanan, a town in Sulu. His father was a farmer, and his family was not wealthy. He went to elementary school and high school in Indanan. He also started college but could not finish his degree because of a conflict that began in 1970. Jikiri had several children, and one of his sons, Thong Jikiri, also became a local government official in Sulu.
Joining the MNLF
Yusop Jikiri joined the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) when he was younger. The MNLF is a group that aimed to achieve self-governance for the Moro people in the southern Philippines. He quickly became one of their top commanders. He eventually rose to a very high position, becoming the Chief of Staff under the MNLF leader, Nur Misuari.
However, in 2000, Jikiri and 14 other MNLF officials decided to make a change. They signed a document that led to Nur Misuari being removed as the group's leader. This group of 15 leaders believed that Misuari was not doing a good job as governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) at the time.
Political Career
Becoming Governor in 2001
Yusop Jikiri first tried to become governor of Sulu in 1998. He ran again in 2001 as a candidate for the People Power Coalition, a political party linked to the MNLF. In 2001, he won the election for governor. His party also won many seats in the provincial board, showing strong support.
When he won, Jikiri said he started his campaign with only a small amount of money. He thanked former Governor Tupay Loong for helping him with some funds.
The official results of the election were delayed for a while because of some challenges to the votes. When Jikiri's supporters heard about the delay, many of them gathered outside the military camp where the election office was located. They came from different towns to show their support.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo officially swore Yusop Jikiri into office. In his speech, Jikiri promised to help Sulu overcome poverty and lack of education. He asked the people to work with him to make the province strong and proud again. He said, "My government is your government, for truly I belong to you, I am among you, a son of a poor family. To this land I give my life, body and soul. Let me, therefore, seek your cooperation. Come to me as your elder brother, (or) even as your father and together we can make this land great once more in history."
Later Elections
In September 2003, Jikiri was attacked in Indanan, but he survived. Sadly, one of his helpers was killed.
Jikiri ran for governor again in 2004 but lost to Ben T. Loong. However, he ran for a different position in the 2007 elections and won. He became a representative for Sulu in the Philippine Congress. He also became the chairman of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA), an agency that helps with development in the southern Philippines.
