Duterte camp claims being barred from holding rally in Camiguin

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte's camp on Wednesday claimed being barred by a political clan from holding a campaign rally in Mambajao, Camiguin.

Peter Laviña, spokesperson and chief of Duterte's media team, claimed that their supporters experienced various forms of suppression in Camiguin.

Laviña said that the electrical connection at the Mambajao Freedom Park where the rally was set to be held was cut, and homes nearby have warned against allowing connection to the Duterte team.

He added that that the sound system was also pulled out even though organizers had already paid for it.

He said that the the sound system's owners were warned that they will not be allowed to do business again on the island province.

The Duterte-Cayetano camp had to rent a sound system from Cagayan de Oro City, Laviña added.

A government employee also told a coordinator from Duterte's team that they were being threatened with removal of benefits if they join the campaign rally, including cash allowances.

The team's coordinators also reported that local officials have been telling the residents of the 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.

Vehicles with Duterte stickers and posters were also forced to the back of the line at the pier in Balingoan.

"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," he added.

Laviña said that it was obvious the supposed oppression was the handiwork of the Romualdo political clan, which supports Liberal Party standard bearer  Mar Roxas.

The mayor of Mambajao is Ma. Luisa Romualdo, wife of provincial governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo.

Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo, son of the mayor and governor, denied the claims of the Duterte-Cayetano camp.

"I heard about that. Not true. People in Camiguin are free to campaign for the candidates they support," Romualdo said in a text message to GMA News Online.

He added: "I believe they are just saying these malicious things because they couldn't produce a big crowd for Mayor Duterte, who really isn't very popular in Camiguin."

In 2013, the Romualdos jumped to the ruling Liberal Party from the Nationalist People's Coalition, supporting the candidacy of Roxas.

The island province has a total of 57,570 registered voters. Almost half of the number are residents of Mambajao. —ALG, GMA News