Duterte rally in Camiguin disrupted, hands of Romualdos seen
Supporters of Rodrigo Duterte are being prevented from attending the presidential candidate’s sortie in Mambajao, Camiguin today.
Duterte and his vice presidential running mate, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, are set to arrive in Camiguin Wedesday afternoon.
Peter Laviña, spokesperson and chief of Duterte media team, said they have confirmed reports about various forms of suppression being experienced by supporters today in Camiguin.
Vehicles with Duterte stickers and posters were forced to the back of the line at the pier in Balingoan.
The electrical connection at the Mambajao Freedom Park was cut and homes nearby have been warned not to allow connection to the Duterte team, according to Laviña.
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.
A government employee also told a Duterte coordinator that they are being threatened with removal of benefits if they join the rally, including cash allowances.
Local coordinators also reported that local officials are threatening people with repercussions if they attend 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.
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.
Gov. Romualdo, when he was serving in Congress as member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, was in fact implicated in the PDAF scandal.
In 2013, the Romualdos have jumped to the ruling Liberal Party and are supporting Mar Roxas.
Laviña said the reign of traditional politics in Camiguin was the reason Duterte and Cayetano are visiting it.
“Trapo 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.”
Obviously, Laviña said, this is the handiwork of the Romualdos.
“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.”
The people of the island, he said, have been living in fear of the Romualdos for years.
Camiguin is one of the smallest yet one also of the poorest because of warlordism.
“Let us be reminded that this is the kind of oppression and dirty politics that encouraged Duterte to join the presidential race,” Laviña said.