THE New People’s Army’s (NPA) ambush over Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie de Lara Guingona in a remote barangay in Gingoog City on Saturday earned criticisms from political candidates.
Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Norris Babiera condemned the incident and urged the Commission on Elections to act on this.
“We hope and pray for the early recovery of Mayor Ruthie,” Babiera told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro on Sunday.
Babiera urged the people in Misamis Oriental to stay calm and should not be afraid with the incident.
Babiera admitted he received a notice from the NPAs demanding permit to campaign fees and the policies of unarmed escorts when entering the guerrilla controlled areas, however, he never heeded these policies.
“All areas of this country are under the dominion of the Government of the Philippines and it is unacceptable that the NPAs have areas of their control,” he said.
Babiera added that the Provincial Government and the military are doing their best to punish the dastard acts of the NPA rebels.
Allan Juanito, spokesperson of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Region, said in a statement sent to media that the conduct of election campaigns in “guerilla zones” are open, but to ensure the peaceful conduct of the campaigns in the guerilla fronts.
He said the candidates must coordinate closely with the concerned territorial command of each area and observe the revolutionary policies, especially observing the following: prohibiting the traditional politicians’ vote-buying, fraud and terrorism; prohibiting the use of firearms and armed escorts; strict prohibition of the use of the electoral campaign as a front for intelligence operations aimed at spying on the activities of the NPA and revolutionary mass organizations; and ensuring that poor voters will not be intimidated or pressured by politicians.
Juanito said the putting up of checkpoints by the different units of the New People’s Army under the North Central Mindanao Regional Command in the areas of their operation is in accordance with these policies.
“We beg for the understanding and consideration of the affected passersby for the minor inconvenience,” Juanito added.
For his part, senatorial bet Teddy Casiño said in a statement sent to the media: "I strongly criticize the New People's Army's military action on Mayor Ruthie Guingona's convoy that resulted in the death and injury of civilians. What happened is wrong and unacceptable. Civilians, especially women and the elderly, should be spared from such actions.”
Casino said the NPA should make thorough investigations amid owning responsibility of the incident and to hold those responsible accountable, take remedial actions and make amends to the victims’ families.
“This is a matter that can also be taken up with the NDFP-GRP Joint Monitoring Committee on the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” he said.
“My prayers go out to Mayor Guingona and for her speedy recovery. Likewise, I condole and offer my prayers to the families of her two companions who were killed," he added.
Casiño was campaigning in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro when the incident happened.