Habib Tupay T. Loong (1947 – 30 June 2016) was a Filipino politician who was a representative of Sulu's 1st congressional district in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). He is the older brother of Ben Tupay Loong, the current vice-governor, and himself served as Governor of Sulu for three terms (from 1984–88, 1988–92, 1992–96). Together the "Loong Brothers" constitute a formidable political force in Sulu.
Background
Loong is a native of Parang, Sulu. He became one of the founders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), rising to the rank of commander, but quit in 1974 along with seven other leaders to join the government. He was married to Hadja Sitti Rasidam Loong.
Loong died on 30 June 2016 at the St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City due to liver cancer. He was aged 69.
Political Activity
Loong made his start as a powerful former MNLF commander turned political player who as a candidate gained the support of the ruling coalition under then-President Corazon Aquino. He long maintained a private army despite government efforts to demilitarise Sulu politics, and the supporters of Loong and his rival Indanan Anni exchanging gunfire and attacks during the 1988 election for governor.
Tupay's current Chief of Staff is Sigfredo A. Plaza.
Negotiations with Terrorists and Kidnappers
As Governor, Loong frequently acted as intermediary and negotiator when foreigners were taken hostage by kidnappers and terrorist groups. In 1984, Loong assisted the United States and the Government of the Philippines in their efforts to free American John Ravinow and friend Helmut Herbst, who were held by bandits in a forested area of Jolo Island. In 1988 he also conducted negotiations with rebels holding a Japanese amateur photographer, Shigehiro Ishikawa, and in 1992 for the release of two Americans (Carol Allen and Tracy Rectanus) and two Australians (Lynette Cook and her daughter, Cheree).
Shooting During 1992 Elections
Philippine marines shot dead three of Loong's bodyguards when he tried to force his way into a polling station during the 1992 elections. Election law prohibits candidates or their supporters from entering polling stations while voting or counting is taking place. However, Loong was successfully re-elected for a third term.
1996 Elections
Loong lost the 1996 election for governorship to Sakur Tan, supposedly when Munir Arbison shifted his support to Tan.
Advisor to the President
Loong supported Yusop Jikiri in his 2001 gubernatorial bid, but in 2003 attempted to displace him in a hotly contested pre-election dispute within their party.
In mid-2004 Loong was named presidential assistant for Muslim Communities, and was key in securing Muslim support for President Arroyo's 10-point agenda. Shortly thereafter, in November 2004, he was appointed the Undersecretary for External Affairs. The Office of External Affairs was set up primarily to "liaison with constituency groups and build grassroots support for the administrations agenda and legislation," according to the Executive Order that created the office. In September 2006 Loong again took the post of presidential assistant for Muslim Communities.
Return to Local Politics
In late 2009 Loong competed for the 1st District representative slot as a candidate of Lakas Kampi CMD and won, returning to local politics. As representative he has urged the government to refocus its efforts to address the decades-old rebellion in Mindanao. He stressed that "the Philippine government needs to become fairer economically, more accountable politically, more responsible socially, more sensitive culturally, and provides equal opportunity to all -- they be Lumad, Bangsamoro or Christian. Ultimately, this will facilitate resolving the Mindanao conflict not only by structurally addressing its root causes through the peace negotiations, but also by healing the deep social, cultural and religious gaps or misunderstandings."
Current Committee Memberships
Rep. Loong is a member of the following committees. MUSLIM AFFAIRS, Chairperson (Journal #7) AGRARIAN REFORM, Member for the Majority (Journal #4) APPROPRIATIONS, Member for the Majority (Journal #13) AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES RESOURCES, Member for the Majority (Journal #5) LOCAL GOVERNMENT, Member for the Majority (Journal #7) MINDANAO AFFAIRS, Member for the Majority (Journal #11) NATIONAL DEFENSE AND SECURITY, Member for the Majority (Journal #8) PEACE, RECONCILIATION AND UNITY, Member for the Majority (Journal #13) PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY, Member for the Majority (Journal #7) SOCIAL SERVICES, Member for the Majority (Journal #7)