The declared AFP “non-partisan” policy in connection with the upcoming May polls, as expected, turn out to be a sham as one of its battalion in Negros openly campaign for the tandem of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte and against VP Leni Robredo.

Several voters of sitio Bulod, Tugas, Malikoliko, and Cunalom in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental criticized the soldiers of 94IB for engaging in a clearly partisan political activity using threat and intimidation.

“Botohon si BBM-Sara kay kung si Leni ang inyo pagabotohon, magkalamatay kita nga tanan kay gisuportahan sang NPA si Leni,” one officer from 94IB’s Bravo Company was quoted as saying in Hiligaynon. (Vote for BMM-Sara because if you will vote for Leni, we will all die because she is being supported by the NPA.)

Last April 20, a unit of 94IB was providing security in the area for the sortie of a mayoral candidate. The soldiers grabbed the event to conduct their own sortie for Marcos and Duterte. Although, the concerned voters decline to come out publicly for fear of retribution fully aware of the bloody record and brutality of 94IB to civilians.

“It’s clear as day that Rodrigo Duterte is utilizing the AFP and other armed agencies of the reactionary government under his control for political purposes to ensure the victory at the polls of the ousted dictator’s son and his daughter,” NDF-Negros spokesperson Bayani Obrero said.

Obrero calls on the Comelec to investigate this incident as this unambiguously constitute a violation of election laws. Recently, the top official of Comelec in Negros Occidental issued a “warning” to candidates to refrain from using intimidation and allow the people to vote freely.

“It’s time to walk the talk. 94IB should be investigated and be held accountable. Otherwise such warning is only talk without actual consequence to the electorate,” Obrero added.

NDF-Negros urge all Negrosanon to defend their right to suffrage and struggle for their democratic rights and welfare against the anti-democratic forces of the Marcos, Duterte, Arroyo and Estrada (MADE) abominable alliance of plunderers, imperialist flunkies, criminals and fascists. ###