A DISQUALIFICATION complaint has been filed against Sorsogon Gov. Jose Edwin Bronidal Hamor over his alleged ties with the New People’s Army (NPA).
Complainant Revor Jesoro Lasay, a local voter and leader of the Unified Local Opposition (ULO) in Sorsogon, filed the complaint on April 30 before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Lasay said Hamor, who is seeking reelection in the May 12 elections, has allegedly publicly associated himself with the NPA, a group designated as a terrorist organization under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
In seeking Hamor’s disqualification, Lasay cited a 48-second video clip that circulated on Facebook on March 12 where the governor allegedly admitted his ties with the NPA.
The video supposedly showed Hamor saying: “May pulis ako, may sundalo ako, may NPA ako. Realidad ang sinasabi ko. Gobernador baga ako (I have police [under me], I have soldiers, I have NPA [rebels]. This is real because I am the governor).”
He also cited news reports referencing a letter from the AFP/PNP-ELCAC addressed to top government officials urging an investigation into the incident.
Lasay said Hamor’s supposed admission is a violation of the Omnibus Election Code, Republic Act No. 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020), and the Revised Penal Code, which prohibit candidates from engaging in acts inimical to national security and public order.
Lasay alleged Hamor’s statements “foster an atmosphere of intimidation and undermine the sanctity of the electoral process, rendering him ineligible to hold public office.”
Lasay also filed another petition yesterday before the Comelec asking that the province of Sorsogon be put under Comelec control “due to increasing security threats/dangers and the abuse of power and misapplication of authority by Governor Jose Edwin ‘Boboy’ Hamor.”
He also called on the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to suspend Hamor.
He likewise urged the DILG, the Senate, National Security Council, the Anti-Terrorism Council, and the AFP and PNP to look into Hamor’s supposed links to the NPA.
Lasay attached a copy of a manifesto of support signed by members of ULO-Sorsogon and records of Hamor’s supposed statements in the complaint he filed with the Comelec.
