Arevalo denies alleged AFP-MILF conspiracy to ensure BOL win in plebiscite

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo denied on Monday allegations that the military conspired with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to ensure the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) win in the plebiscite.

“This is an unfortunate occasion where the AFP, despite diligently performing its mandate 24/7, is being accused of a malpractice. This is grossly unfair to the men and women of the AFP who dutifully performed their election duties,” Arevalo said.

The AFP spokesperson made the statement after Cotabato City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani Sayadi claimed that the military, government officials and election officials conspired to ensure the victory of the BOL during the plebiscite.

Sayadi claimed that the military allowed the presence of the MILF members who, according to her, harassed and intimidated the voters.

She said she talked to Army 6th Infantry Division commander Major General Cirilito Sobejana to control the presence of the MILF during the plebiscite but the commander did not respond.

The Cotabato City mayor also said that on the eve of the plebiscite, most of the village chiefs were asked to attend a seminar in connection with the election at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, but, Sayadi claimed, they were detained there.

Arevalo challenged Sayadi to file complaints before the court.

“We hope that the good Mayor of Cotabato City will bring her charges to the proper forum and substantiate her allegations than besmirch the good reputation of the AFP through media,” he said.

Amid the allegations, Arevalo vowed to remain "professional, non-partisan, and true to its mandate of protecting the people in the exercise of their political rights  and in electing their leaders who will manage the affairs of the state." —LDF, GMA News