ILOILO CITY – A Left-leaning group has condemned the red-tagging of candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections here and the province of Iloilo.
LEAFLETS identifying candidates allegedly supporting the communist movement in the city and province of Iloilo emerged as the barangay elections approach. (Courtesy of Aksyon Radyo Iloilo)
“The baseless black propaganda against well-meaning candidates undermines the electoral process. It causes undue fear among the public and the electorate and violates the sanctity of their votes,” said Bayan-Panay in a statement on Thursday, October 26.
Leaflets emerged on Wednesday, October 25, naming candidates allegedly supporting the terrorist group Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).
In them were Barangay Captains Corazon Coo of Barangay Sinikway here and Susanito Talibo Sr. of Barangay Igdaluyon, Igbaras, and Councilors Mary Grace Lobaton of Barangay Poblacion in Zarraga and Mary Adrivene Dalida of Barangay Bita Sur, Oton.
Candidates for councilors Vivian Asong of Barangay Punong, Iloilo City, Nelson Licoto of Barangay Purok 2, Pavia, and Rodolfo Asis of Purok 2, Pavia were also on the list.
“The human rights defenders who are victims of this malevolence sincerely desire to be of service to their respective communities. In fact, most, if not all of them already have a track record of satisfactory performance in leadership and in responding to the needs of their constituents,” Bayan-Panay said.
Bayan-Panay said they have reason to believe that is “the military and defense establishment that have the motive and the means” to red-tag and urged the government to investigate and ensure the safety of BSKE candidates.
“We call on the electorate to stand against and condemn such evil deeds. Demand respect for your right to freely choose your leaders according to the dictates of your conscience, not out of fear,” Bayan Panay added.
The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army denied having involvement in the distribution of the leaflets.
“The Army is not behind that. It’s only nuisance,” said Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, 3rd ID spokesperson. “We are not campaigning for or against any candidate. We are even espousing for honest and peaceful elections,” Javines said in a phone interview.