Basilan mayor sought to be censured for 'flying registrants'

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Residents of Maluso, Basilan on Saturday called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to censure their mayor for allegedly bringing in “flying registrants” from Zamboanga City.

The STAR repeatedly tried, but failed to reach Maluso Mayor Indanan Daud for comment.

Barangay folks said a group identified with him brought in last Wednesday 34 residents of Zamboanga City to register at Barangay Batungal in Maluso.

Seven of the 34 people from Talon-Talon and Mampang Districts in Zamboanga City were intercepted by vigilant barangay folks.

Local officials said Sajid and Anwar, who are both surnamed Muyong, Jamar Patta, Jainal Ilhani, Decelyn Jawarin, and Juhan Appang, had confirmed they were promised with money in exchange for having themselves listed as voters in Barangay Batungal.

The seven “flying registrants” had told local officials the group who dealt with them also assured to pay hefty rewards if they return to Maluso and vote for Daud during the May 2016 elections.

They had alleged too that they were brought to Maluso by people identified with Mayor Daud, seeking reelection.

Maluso is a politically-hostile town, where drug traffickers have been operating with impunity.

Members of the municipal peace and order council said there are local politicians protecting drug rings in the area, a major transshipment point for shabu in the island province of Basilan.