Moro Diplomat Dies, DFA held memorial service

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Written by Gonaranao B. Musor and Samira Gutoc

Friday, 21 November 2003

Candidato Gutoc, incoming Ambassador to Oman, passed away last November 6, Thursday morning, in Cagayan de Oro City due to liver failure. He was buried in accordance with Islamic rites on the same day at his home in barrio Bangon, Marawi City. He was 56 and would have turned 57 this coming November 25. He was supposed to depart for his new post in Muscat, Oman two days after his death.

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CANDIDATO: IN MEMORIAM
DR. TOMANINA ALI GUTOC
Nov. 22, 2003

In recognition of his loyal service, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) held necrological rites for the late ambassador at the Bulwagang Mabini (DFA Auditorium) last November 18.

Gov. Lininding P. Pangandamun, former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, delivered the first eulogy. Andy, as what the late diplomat was commonly called, was described by Pangandamun as a “confirmation that a Muslim Filipino diplomat can excel in a difficult, intricate and delicate mission as diplomacy.” Pangandamun described as a highlight of Gutoc's early part of his diplomatic career in the Middle East his key role in having oil supply restored to the Philippines during the oil embargo of the 1970s. He also facilitated the repatriation of maltreated OFWs, victims of sexual assault and runaway cases during his stint in Saudi Arabia. Beyond the embassy premises, his residence was even a refuge for the said affected Filipinos.

DFA Undersecretary for Special Concerns Rafael E. Seguis, who was Gutoc’s colleague at the Office of Middle Eastern and African Affairs (OMEAA), remembered the late ambassador as “rather shy and timid; but when he expressed his opinions, he was decisive.” “ A man of sincerity, honesty and dignity, the Philippines has lost a gentleman and an officer."

Secretary Heherson Alvarez, Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Communities, considered Gutoc as a “role model of an ambassador.” “We need more ambassadors like him, not just to represent Filipino Muslims but the whole nation as well”, he further stated.

Current OMEAA Assistant Secretary Norberto R. Basilio expressed his office’s sympathy for the Gutoc family’s loss of a man whose service was dedicated entirely to his nation. “His well-placed diplomatic silence will be remembered with admiration.” Basilio also cited the awarding of Gutoc as Outstanding Public Servant in 1984 by the Humanitarian International Record for helping thousands of Filipino pilgrims.

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople could not attend to deliver his condolence message. Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Delia D. Albert instead read out his message. Ambassador Gutoc “embodied the best qualities in a Filipino diplomat,” Ople wrote in his message. He also recognized the important role Gutoc played during Ople’s participation in an OIC meeting held in Tehran, Iran.

Undersecretary for Administration Franklin Ebdalin on the other hand read the letter of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to Gutoc’s grieving family. The President described Gutoc as a “Filipino diplomat who served his country and people with an unwavering commitment, dedication and competence. His death leaves a void in the Department of Foreign Affairs that will be difficult to fill.”

Dr. Tomanina Ali Gutoc, wife of Ambassador Candidato Gutoc, responded to the eulogies delivered by honoring further her husband, saying that “Candidato was an epitome of hard work won up the ladder, am man who lived by the wisdom of silence and fortitude. His name fit him well. He was a candidate for paragon virtue, a pillar to many who seek inspiration.” Mrs. Gutoc also mentioned that the memorial service was the same day as their 31st wedding anniversary.

Other officials who came to the necrological rites were ARMM Governor Parouk Hussin, former Senator Santanina Rasul and DSWD Undersecretary Omera Lucman.

After the memorial services, Muslim guests were invited to a Maghrib prayer and ifthar at the Executive Lounge of the DFA. The ifthar was sponsored by the DFA Muslim Personnel Association.

Ambassador Candidato Gutoc is survived by his wife, Tomanina, and his five children: Samira, a journalist; Alexis, a medical intern; Norhani, an MBA student; Amirah, a UP sociology graduate; and Abraham, a San Beda Philosophy senior.

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