SUARA BANGSAMORO slammed the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command over the public statement of its Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Obaniana that he has made it his “personal crusade” to campaign against alleged left-wing organizations.
“This is enough proof that the military is behind the rabid violence and massive black propaganda against progressive party-lists. The COMELEC should make appropriate legal actions against Lt. Gen. Obaniana and military officials who are being used for the political interests of others,” Zaynab Ampatuan, national chairperson said.
Ampatuan complained of the military’s raid of their headquarters in Malita, Davao Del Sur last May 6.
She also said SUARA posters are being intentionally torn down in North Cotobato and smear campaigns all over the ARMM are being launched against their group, and its allies; Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis and Kabataan Party-list.
Ampatuan added, “We fear that this campaign by the military will result to vote-shaving and harassment in polling precincts just like what happened last 2004.”
The Moro leader said their group has been a victim of massive fraud last 2004 elections.
“The military has long been undermining the democratic spirit of the elections. The people, along with the civil libertarian groups which are exerting their utmost efforts to protect the peoples’ votes obviously cannot trust the military, especially in the ARMM and in the rest of Mindanao where around 30,000 troops are deployed,” Ampatuan said.
Ampatuan called on the people not be cowed by the presence of the military in
their areas.
“We are calling on the people and all civil groups committed to a truthful and dignified elections to stand up to the harassment and pressures coming from the military,” Ampatuan said. #
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2007 Elections
