Statement from IM4PeaCE - Task Force Bantay Bangsamoro Plebiscite

We vehemently condemn the explosions on the eve of the February 6 Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite in the Municipalities of Lala, Kauswagan and Sultan Naga Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte province and in Talayan, Maguindanao.

Though not that damaging but it created fears and uncertainties to the population participating in today's political exercise and the whole of the country. The said incidents also may ignite violence that would cause harm and danger to the civilian population.

We received reports that in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte provinces politicians and avocates for Yes and No are imposing their will over the participating electorate.

Reports were also received on violent confrontations between Yes advocates and residents that resulted to injuries in a town in Lanao del Norte.

Despite, we call on the electorates to go out, participate and affix their choices in the plebiscite form.

We call on the electorates to remain vigilant and to strengthen our unity and commitment to peace and solidarity.

We call on the COMELEC and the agencies involve to ensure fair, clean and just plebiscite and its result.

We call on the COMELEC, NCIP, OPAPP and the Office of the President to hear and respond to the demand of the Erumanen Ne Menuvu tribe in North Cotabato on their appeal for a Free Prior and Informed Consent process (as stipulated in the Republic Act 8371 (IPRA) and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples that are clearly mentioned in the BOL) for the territories participating in the plebiscite that are happened to be part of the tribe's Ancestral Domain (CADT).

We also call on BIAF, AFP and PNP to be instruments of peace and realization of the right to suffrage of the people in today's exercise.

A total of 674,343 registered voters in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato are expected to participate in today's plebiscite (February 6) to decide on the proposed inclusion of six Lanao del Norte towns and 7 municipalities for the 67 barangays of North Cotabato in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Task Force Bantay Bangsamoro Plebiscite
Interfaith Movement for a Peaceful and Clean Elections
February 6, 2019

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