Hataman: Probe allegations of fraud, harassment during BSKE 2023

MANILA, Philippines — Irregularities and allegations of fraud during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) last October 30 should be investigated by the House, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman said.

In a statement on Wednesday, Hataman said that he filed House Resolution No. 1497 because despite the efforts of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and other government agencies, there were several incidents of violence, alleged cheating, and supposed harassment against voters and candidates.

“Mahirap dedmahin ang napakaraming alegasyon ng irregularidad, pandaraya at pananakot noong nakaraang barangay elections. Dito lamang sa Basilan, madaming insidente ang naiulat sa social media na hindi naa-address ng mga kinauukulan,” he said.

(We cannot just ignore the several allegations of irregularities, cheating, and harassment during the barangay elections. Here in Basilan, there were several incidents reported on social media but were not addressed by authorities.)

“Lagi na nating problema ito, hindi lamang sa barangay at SK elections. Dapat ba nating bisitahin na ang batas dahil parang walang nadedemanda o nakukulong pagdating sa pandaraya, pananakot at irregularidad tuwing eleksyon,” he added.

(This has been a usual problem not just during the barangay and SK elections. Should we revisit the law because it seems nobody has faced charges or been incarcerated because of these election issues.)

According to Hataman, there were also claims that Comelec officials and law enforcers from the security cluster were involved in the anomalies.

The lawmaker cited one incident in his home province where members of the Electoral Board in precincts within Barangay Samal allegedly attempted to transfer the location of the polling place at 7:30 a.m. of October 30, without authority from Comelec.

He also added that in Barangay Bubuan, Municipality of Tabuan Lasa, the voting was stopped before noon because the voters had already fled the polling place due to the alleged presence of armed men near the elementary school.

“If such an illegal and criminal act was not prevented, the voters would surely be displaced and would not be able to vote, thus resulting in a failure of election,” Hataman’s resolution stated.

“In another area in Mindanao, a video was taken where an army officer was seen appearing to be in the act of interfering with the tasks of the Electoral Board by calling them one by one and asking them to do certain acts that are already beyond such officer’s mandate or jurisdiction,” it added.

Even before the actual day of voting, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the number of violent incidents nationwide reached 31.  Eventually, Comelec said the BSKE left 19 dead in 244 violent incidents.

Despite this, Comelec said the BSKE was generally peaceful and orderly.