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Alexander D. Tomawis
Alexander Dagalangit Tomawis (born in 1972) is affectionately known as Alex among friends, was a prominent Iranun politician born to Rocaya Dagalangit and Ibrahim Tomawis.

Early Life and Background
Alexander Dagalangit Tomawis (born 1972) was a notable Iranun politician known for his visionary leadership and contributions to the development of the Maguindanao province. Born to Rocaya Dagalangit and Ibrahim Tomawis, he hailed from the esteemed Tomawis-Dagalangit Clan of Barira and Buldon. Among his siblings were Abdulradzak Tomawis, former mayor of Barira; Raida Sinsuat, vice-mayor of Datu Blah T. Sinsuat; and Raga Tomawis-Beda, a distinguished businesswoman and politician in Parang, Maguindanao; and Harold Tomawis, who later served as an assemblyman on the ARMM's Regional Legislative Authority.

In a significant union, Alexander Tomawis married Fatima Aratuc Pembayabaya, a member of the Aratuc Clan of Buldon. Their marriage not only symbolized a personal commitment but also marked the unity of the Tomawis-Dagalangit and Aratuc Clans, previously at odds. This alliance became a powerful force in the political landscape of Barira, Buldon, Matanog, and Parang.

The collaboration between Alexander and Fatima Tomawis extended beyond familial ties. As the Mayor of Buldon, Fatima actively participated in the Iranon Development Council (IDC), a crucial development strategy initiated by Alexander to collectively address the reconstruction and development challenges faced by the municipalities of Barira, Buldon, Matanog, Parang, and Datu Blah after the aftermath of the 2000 All-Out War Against Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Political Career
Alexander Tomawis rose to prominence in the challenging political landscape of the Buldon, Barira, and Matanog triangle, which underwent significant transformations following the collapse of the MILF Main Camp Abubakar in the aftermath of the all-out war launched by then-President Estrada in the year 2000. Before this pivotal event, these municipalities were under the virtual sway of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), with Barira as its main nerve center.

In 2001, at the age of 29, Alexander Tomawis assumed the role of Mayor of Barira, facing the daunting task of reconstruction after the devastation caused by the all-out war. His visionary leadership led to the formation of an alliance among the three municipalities—Barira, Buldon, and Matanog—that were once considered MILF liberated zones. This alliance, known as the Iranon Development Council (IDC), aimed to collectively rebuild the devastated communities.

Under Tomawis's dynamic leadership, the IDC expanded its influence to include the Municipality of Parang and the Municipality of Datu Blah in 2008. Despite the economic challenges, the five municipalities aspired to create the Iranon Integrated Development Area, envisioning a prosperous, peaceful, and secure region. Tomawis actively engaged experts, business groups, civil society organizations, government agencies, and international communities to share his vision for sustainable development.

Assassination and Legacy
On November 28, Vice Mayor Alexander Tomawis of Barira, Maguindanao, met a tragic end when he was gunned down in front of his residence in Davao City. The assailants, two teenagers who arrived under the pretense of delivering documents for signing, fatally shot Tomawis in the head with a 9mm pistol. The incident occurred shortly before noon on Hill Drive St., beside the Heritage Church in Kilometer 5, Buhangin.

Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr., the executive director of the Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG) in Cotabato, asserted that Tomawis's killing bore political motivations. Mercado explained that Tomawis had been in conflict with a potent political clan and military leadership in the area. Fearing these threats, Tomawis sought refuge in Davao City, believing it to be a sanctuary.

During the barangay elections on October 25, Tomawis found himself briefly held under "restricted custody" by elements of the 603rd Infantry Brigade. Allegations arose, claiming he had commandeered election paraphernalia to favor his and his wife's town in Buldon. However, Tomawis vehemently denied any involvement in election rigging.

Under Mercado's guidance, the IAG had been actively facilitating strategic planning sessions for the Iranun Development Council (IDC), an initiative championed by Tomawis. Comprising the municipalities of Barira, Buldon, Parang, Matanog, and Datu Blah Sinsuat, the IDC recently introduced the Iranun Rescue Assistance 511 (IRA 511), an emergency response unit catering to the needs of the five interconnected municipalities.