Media on Elections and Violence 2016

Background

A history of political warlord-ism has marred governance in the Visayas. During the years of the Marcos dictatorship and with the imposition of Martial Law, political leaders operating as warlords wielded power through private armies.  These allied themselves with the government, assuring the likes of Armando Gustilo of northern Negros and Arturo Pacificador of Antique of continued control over their respective provincial turfs.  Gustilo was blamed for the massacre of 20 people in Escalante in 1985.  Pacificador was accused of ordering the assassination of opposition leader and activist, Evelio Javier, in San Jose, Antique.

As these families declined, the region has seen a remarkable reduction in incidents of political violence in recent decades. But killings and other confrontations continue with tensions rising during campaign and elections.

Since 1986, the emergence of new politicians has enlivened the competition over state resources such as quarry operations.This has led to violent clashes within municipalities and congressional districts. Another arena of competitions is control over illegal gambling and drugs. As in the past, the formation of private armed groups is a feature of competition.

As new politicians have emerged, the competition over state resources, such as quarry operations, involves violent clashes within municipalities and congressional districts. Another arena of competition is the control over illegal gambling and drugs. As in the past, the formation of private armed groups is a feature of the competition.

With its long history of land development through haciendas (plantations), land issues dominate the politics of Negros, with socio-economic inequalities embedded as flashpoints of conflict.

With a very different kind of topography, the poverty of the people in Samar result from neglect and marginalization as development projects have bypassed the province even during the Marcos regime, with a native of the neighboring province of Tacloban reigning as a powerful and influential First Lady.

It has persisted after 1986 and continues to be exploited rival political clans. Acting on their behalf, supporters confront opposing counterparts in surrogate battles and consequently suffer as proxy victims. With the involvement of state law enforcement units, the last elections indicate further erosion of governance, as members of police carried out harassment and other threats against their foes.

The communist insurgency continues to be quite active in the Eastern Visayas, Negros and Panay Islands.  But rebel attacks during election periods in recent years have been limited to attacks on candidates who resist rebel taxation or refused to pay “permit-to-campaign” fees.

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