[2] 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.
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.
[3] 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).
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."
[9] Loong encouraged all line agencies in both the national government and the ARMM to prepare a comprehensive rehabilitation and development plan that will deliver basic services in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.
56 (SC-56) entered into by the Department of Energy (DoE) and the ExxonMobil in order to protect and preserve the rich biodiversity and the economic growth and general welfare of the people of Sulu.
"(Service Contract) SC-56 should be scrutinised to make sure contingency plans are in place during the drilling and its impact on our ecology and the cost of possible destruction of our biodiversity vis-à-vis its real contribution to the economic growth and general welfare of the country, especially to the people of Sulu," the resolution of Loong stated.