Duterte camp claims ruling clan's interruption of campaign in Camiguin

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesperson Peter Laviña on Wednesday claimed the the mayor’s supporters are experiencing various forms of suppression caused by the Romualdo clan in Mambajao, Camiguin.

Laviña alleged that as Duterte and his running mate Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano are set to arrive in Camiguin on Wednesday afternoon, his rally preparations experienced several interruptions caused by the ruling political clan.

"Trapo politics is reigning in Camiguin and we need to expose this ugly side of the island. 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," Laviña said

“Obviously, this is the handiwork of the Romualdos,” alleged.

Duterte’s spokesman said his team already confirmed the reports on campaign disruptions which include cutting of electrical connection at the Mambajao Freedom Park, homes nearby asked not to allow connection to Duterte team, sound system suddenly pulled out and threatening of local government employees who are to support Duterte, among others.

Laviña said the owners of the sound system backed out since they will not be allowed to do business in Camiguin even if the organizers of the campaign rally already paid for it, forcing them to rent a sound system in Cagayan de Oro City instead.

He cited that a government employee told a Duterte coordinator that if they join the rally, their benefits and allowances will be removed. Local coordinators also reported local officials threatening supporters with consequences, and market vendors no allowed to sell if they attend the Duterte-Cayetano rally.

"They were told to be delisted from 4Ps, PhilHealth and scholarship programs," Laviña said.

He named the Romualdos behind the interruptions as Mambajao Mayor Ma. Luisa Romualdo, a member of the political clan that ruled the island for decades. The Mambajao mayor, according to Laviña, is the wife of Camiguin Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo while the couple’s son is Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus.

Duterte's camp said the political clan is supporting Liberal Party’s Manuel “Mar” Roxas II since the clan jumped to the administration coalition in 2013.

"The LGU (local government unit) is making it hard for us to hold a rally. But more than that, it is making it hard for the people of the beautiful island of Camiguin who want real change." Laviña said.