A Mindanao nun has reported that soldiers belonging to the 69th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army have been found campaigning against leftist groups inside a Davao City college. Sr Diane Cabasagan, a member of Samin, questioned the activity, saying it violated the Omnibus Election Code and the democratic essence of the whole electoral process, Davao Today reports.
Cabasagan said in a statement that the 69th IB, identified with Bantay party Rep. Jovito Palparan, presented students of thePhilippine College of Technology a Powerpoint linking progressive groups to the communist movement.
The military also categorically told the students not to vote for Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis, ACT- Teachers, Kabataan and Katribu parties.
Section 261 of Batas Pambansa (National Law) 881 states that military officers and members may not, directly or indirectly, intervene in any election campaign or engage in any partisan political activity, except to vote or to preserve public order.
Reverend Sarly Templado of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP), called on the electorate and concerned civilians to monitor similar election-related violations which disrupt the conduct of a peaceful and credible elections.
“These blatant electioneering activities may also instigate election violence, hence, we urge the members of the police and the military to abide by its non-partisan role during the elections,” said Cabasagan.
The 69th IB, once assigned in Central Luzon under the 7th Infantry Division, has been identified with retired General Palparan who used to lead the battalion before his retirement in late 2006.
Palparan has earned the moniker of the “Butcher” among human rights advocates for his alleged involvement in the killings and disappearances of several activists while he was still in the military. Most of the cases have reached the Supreme Court and the United Nations.
SIC: CTHAS