DAVAO CITY – The camp of presidential aspirant Rodrigo Duterte said its supporters were being prevented from attending the political rally in Mambajao, Camiguin on Wednesday.
Peter Laviña, spokesperson and chief of the Duterte media team, said they have confirmed reports about various forms of suppression being experienced by their supporters in Camiguin.
“Vehicles with Duterte stickers and posters were forced to the back of the line at the pier in Balingoan (in Misamis Oriental). The electrical connection at the Mambajao Freedom Park was cut, and homes nearby have been warned not to allow connection to the Duterte team,” Laviña said in a statement.
“The sound system was also pulled out even though organizers had already paid for it. The owners were reportedly told they would not be allowed to do business in Camiguin if they do not comply. A sound system had to be rented from Cagayan de Oro City,” he added.
Local coordinators of the Duterte camp also reported that local officials were threatening people with repercussions if they attended the Duterte-Cayetano rally.
“They were told to be delisted from 4Ps, PhilHealth, and scholarship programs,” Laviña said.
“Market vendors were also told they would no longer be allowed to sell if they attend the rally,” he said.
Laviña said the reign of traditional politics in Camiguin was the reason Duterte and Cayetano are visiting it.
“Traditional politics is reigning in Camiguin, and we need to expose this ugly side of the island,” Laviña said.
“Our volunteers and supporters are being harassed, people are being warned not to be on the streets for the arrival of our candidates and not to attend the rally,” he added.
Obviously, Laviña said, this is the handiwork of the Romualdos.
The mayor of Mambajao is Ma. Luisa Romualdo, a member of the political clan that lorded over the island for decades. She is the wife of Camiguin Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo. Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus is the couple’s son.
The Romualdos are supporting Liberal Party bet Mar Roxas.
“The LGU is making it hard for us to hold a rally. But more than that, it is making it hard for the people of the beautiful island of Camiguin who want real change,” he said. JE
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