The Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM)-Masbate condemned the military and police forces for blatantly controlling and interfering in the reactionary elections in the Masbate province. The military sabotaged the candidate’s unity walk conducted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on March 26, which was supposedly held to campaign for “peaceful and orderly” elections in May.

According to PKM-Masbate, instead of focusing on the 2025 elections, the military used the activity for their counterinsurgency campaign. They forced participants to carry placards and slogans containing slander and dirty propaganda against the revolutionary movement and the New People’s Army (NPA). Instead of civilian candidates and Comelec staff, police and military personnel led the march.

“The reactionary law clearly prohibits the military and police from interfering in or meddling with elections. They should not favor or side with any politician,” said PKM-Masbate.

In addition to sabotaging the march, incidents of other forms of military interference in the elections were also recorded. The military and police reportedly prevented certain candidates, especially those opposing the political dynasty in Masbate led by the Kho family, to freely campaign.

“The military and police also have themselves be used as goons by candidates during campaigns up to election day itself. They ensure that candidates they serve will win,” PKM-Masbate stated. Some threatened individuals withdrew their candidacies, opting instead to accept bribes in exchange for not running in the elections.

According to the group, the involvement of the military and police in candidates’ campaigns leads to greater chaos and violence among supporters and candidates. “This contradicts their claim that the NPA creates or incites disorder during elections,” PKM-Masbate emphasized.

The group called on the people of Masbate to be vigilant and not be deceived by military and police schemes. “No one is more affected by clashes among politicians who use violence during campaigns and elections than us ordinary citizens,” the farmers group said.

In light of this, the group stated that the role of the revolutionary movement becomes even more crucial in exposing the corruption of reactionary elections to more people.

The campaign period for local candidates began on March 28.