By Julie Alipala
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:48:00 10/12/2010
Fear for their safety has convinced teachers here anew not to serve in any election.
AKBAR, Basilan, Philippines—Fear for their safety has convinced teachers here anew not to serve in any election.
Muid Tulawie of Caddayan Elementary School said his colleagues would not be performing poll duties in the barangay and youth council elections later this month.
“We will still not report as election tellers this coming barangay elections,” Tulawie said.
He said experience has taught them that serving as election clerks exposed their lives to danger.
“The politicians know us and if they lose in the election, they will get back at us,” Tulawie said.
A teacher who introduced herself only as Sitti said no amount of assurances from the authorities could change their minds.
“They could not convince us because we know better. Our lives will be put at risk if we agreed to serve,” she said.
Sitti said once they agreed to serve, politicians will pester them and will ask them to make them win.
Roberto dela Pe?provincial election supervisor, said he could not blame the teachers.
He said their fear worsened following the killing of Tuburan election officer Entong Musa, who was gunned down by still unidentified men last week.
Akbar Mayor Paisal Sali said the teachers’ fear has no basis.
He said that during the last elections, armed men burned down at least six school buildings here.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro told the Inquirer during a visit here on Monday that he also understood the teachers' concerns.
Luistro said he has been discussing the problem with officials of the Commission on Elections.
He said in the case of Akbar and Tuburan towns, the local election committees should find out which areas are possibly dangerous to the safety of the teachers.
“Find out which areas are affected and what are the accompanying security measures that can be laid out. There are special arrangements when it comes to high-risk areas,” Luistro said.
http://politics.inquirer.net/politics/view/20101012-297327/Teachers-in-Basilan-town-wont-serve-in-barangay-polls
