LP slams continued harassment of party supporters

The Liberal Party today criticized government agencies for failing to stop the continued harassment of its supporters, leaders and candidates throughout the country even on the eve of and while voters were trooping to the polling precincts on Election Day.

LP Director General Chito Gascon stressed government must ensure not only the orderly and successful conduct of the country’s first automated elections but also the security of the public, especially in areas experiencing violence and other untoward incidences.

“We condemn these attacks and abuses not only against our volunteers and supporters, but also against our democracy and the people’s right to vote,” he stressed.

“May labing-siyam nang taga-suporta ang Partido Liberal ang pinapatay mula nang magsimula ang halalan. Hinihiling namin sa Comelec at ang mga awtoridad na kumilos na para mapigilan na ang karahasang ito (Already 19 LP supporters have been killed since the start of the election season. We ask the Comelec and the authorities to act immediately to stop this violence),” he said.

He added that the Comelec should closely monitor several areas where violence has broken out, such as in Isabela province and in Zamboanga del Sur where 15 LP supporters have already been killed, and consider imposing Comelec control if the violence continues to escalate.

In Tumauini town in Isabela province yesterday, five volunteer poll watchers were mauled allegedly by incumbent Mayor Arnold Bautista and his police bodyguards. Three of these poll watchers are in critical condition.

In Gamu town, Isabela, policemen raided the house of Mayor Ando Cumigad, a supporter of LP and Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca, supposedly finding high-caliber weapons. Padaca’s fellow allies cried foul over the seeming police harassment.

Meanwhile, in Camarines Norte, volunteer-poll watchers of LP congressional candidate Wally Chato were illegally detained in a farm allegedly by supporters of his rival, former Camarines Norte Rep. Renato Unico.

In Capalonga town also in Camarines Norte, citizens are being terrorized allegedly by the group of Mayor Senandro Jalgalado, prompting Camarines Norte Gov. Egay Tallado and Rep. Liwayway Chato to personally confront him.

In Cavite, supporters of LP Secretary-General and Rep. Jose Emilio Aguinaldo “Jun” Abaya were reportedly abducted.