CAFGUs Get Stern Warning to not Involve with Politicians

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, PILI, CAMARINES SUR (27 November) - WITH OVER 1,000 NEWLY RECRUITED members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU's) attached with various army brigades and battalions all over Bikol Region, the 9^th Infantry Division command base in this camp ordered the CAFGUs not to get involved with any local politicians in the coming 2010 elections.

The order was issued by 9^th Inf. Division Philippine Army (PA) spokesman, Col. Leoncio Seronai, who is also in charge of the CAFGU-battalions. The order comes following national reports in the AFP intelligence that CAFGU units were reportedly involved in the infamous "Maguindanao massacre" several days ago.

CAFGU members only render 15-days of duty with their attached units, while the rest of the days in a month are devoted to civilian life.

Seronai said that under the "Omnibus Election Code," CAFGUs and regular PA enlisted men are prohibited to serve as "bodyguards" or aid to any running politician during the election period, the penalty for which are termination from service and even imprisonment.

He also said the Division command is closely monitoring the loyalty of the CAFGUs in the region, particularly in traditionally "hot-spot" areas during election period in Bikol region, like the island of Masbate.

In past election history in Masbate and even Sorsogon and Catanduanes provinces, CAFGUs were reportedly used by politicians as "body guards."

During a strafing incident in the 2007 elections in Masbate province, the PNP reported that some CAFGUs were involved in the shooting incidents; meanwhile NPA rebels were reported to have worked as part-time goons of political warlords in Aroroy, Mubo and in Masbate, Masbate.

In Legazpi City, hundreds of college students on Wednesday (November 25) mostly journalism students from the state-run Bicol University of Albay, marched through the streets of Legazpi City to condemn the killings of journalists in Mindanao.

The students marched in black armed bands to express their condemnation of the reportedly politically-related barbaric act.

In Naga City, the "Kapisanan ng Brodkasters ng Pilipinas" (KBP) Camarines Sur chapter, led by president Eman Llagas had initiated a signature campaign for local media practitioners regarding a statement of condemnation on the senseless killings of practicing journalists in the Maguindanao incident.

Similar expression of indignation have prompted not only the media sector, but also known Bikolano leaders in this region; they demanded the Arroyo administration for an immediate response to administer justice to the victims of the massacre. (SONNY SALES).