HIGH ALERT | DILG urges candidates to stop using private armies amid threats of election violence

April 11, 2022 , 01:29 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(April 11, 2022) – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday cautioned candidates against using armed groups and private armies to intimidate voters following the designation of some cities and municipalities as areas of concern ahead of the 2022 elections.

DILG secretary Eduardo Año stressed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is on high alert in provinces feared to be rife with violence to ensure peace and security less than a month before voting day.

“Stop using armed goons, stop using intimidation and force to influence the voters and other election candidates,” said Año. “Hindi natin sasantuhin kahit sino pa ‘yan. The PNP is committed to enforce the law completely sa kahit sinong lumabag sa batas—no fear and favor.”

Last week, the PNP identified 105 municipalities and 15 cities under the red category but the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will still verify the report. It covers areas with a history of election-related violence, the presence of private and local armed groups, and intense political rivalries, among others.

Areas with a lower level of threat will be placed under the yellow or orange category while safe areas will be under the green category. PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo explained that authorities, particularly the Comelec, decided to do away with the term “election hotspots” to avoid confusion and panic.

Año urged candidates not to instigate fear among the public as this can undermine the credibility of the polls.

“Doble-kayod ngayon ang kapulisan upang mawakasan ang kalakarang ito (use of armed groups and private armies). Katuwang ang Armed Forces of the Philippines na tutukan ang areas of election concern,” said Año.

In the 2019 midterm elections, the Comelec recorded 20 killings from 42 incidents of violence. It included three reelectionist councilors in Negros Occidental who were reported killed in just a matter of weeks. In the 2016 elections, the PNP tallied 142 victims in 94 incidents of violence.

The Maguindanao Massacre in 2009 is known as the worst election-related violence in the country’s history, leaving 58 individuals dead, including 32 journalists and media workers. This has been described by the Committee to Protect Journalists as “the single deadliest event for journalists” in history.

“Binabalaan ko ang mga kandidatong gumagamit ng goons at private armies na itigil ang pagpapalaganap ng karahasan at panlilinlang para lamang makahikayat ng mga botante,” reiterated Año.

Año added that they are also closely monitoring cases of vote-buying, as the DILG vowed to assist the Task Force Kontra Bigay launched by the Comelec. He also urged the public to file reports to hold accountable the individuals and groups engaged in vote-buying.

“Lalo ring dapat higpitan ng mga awtoridad ang pagbabantay sa ano mang uri ng vote-buying at pinakaimportante na kapag magpapadala ng reports ang ating concerned citizens ay sana kumpleto na,” said Año.

(PM)

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