Six mayors from Oriental Mindoro’s First District have officially joined the Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas CMD), strengthening the party’s influence in the province. The oath of membership was administered by House Speaker Martin Romualdez, with several key party leaders in attendance.

The mayors who took their oath were Dr. Nemmen Perez (Socorro), Ina Alegre Cruz (Pola), Lito Malabanan (Victoria), Allan Roldan (Baco), Boyet Py (San Teodoro), and Rockey Ilagan (Puerto Galera). Ilagan was the first to formally join Lakas CMD, marking a significant shift in the province’s political landscape.

The event was witnessed by Deputy Speakers David Suarez of Quezon and Tonypet Albano of Isabela, House Majority Leader Manuel Dalipe of Zamboanga City, and Lakas CMD Secretary General Rep. Joboy Aquino of Agusan del Norte.

First District Representative Arnan C. Panaligan, a Lakas CMD stalwart, had earlier announced that most local chief executives from the northern congressional district would join Lakas CMD. He also confirmed that Naujan Mayor Joel Teves, who leads the province’s largest municipality, is expected to join the party.

In Calapan City, Panaligan indicated that Lakas CMD would enter into a coalition with the Mindoro Bago Sarili party, led by his predecessor, former Congressman Salvador Leachon.

Panaligan has been a key figure in the revival of Lakas CMD in Oriental Mindoro, where the party now holds the most significant number of incumbent municipal mayors.