Isnaji can still run for ARMM elections but still uncertain if he can campaign and vote

Miami
July 8, 2008
Story 1: Isnaji can still run for ARMM elections but still uncertain if he can campaign and vote

Mayor Alavrez Isnaji can still run for the upcoming elections in Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on August 11, this what Comelec Executive Director Jose Tolentino said.

Tolentino is present during the Command Conference of the PNP and AFP for the security measures they will have on the coming election.

Tolentino also said that before the kidnapping incident happened in Sulu, Isnaji already filed his candidacy to run as Governor of Sulu. His son, Haider also filed his candidacy as Assemblyman.

There were 7 candidates for governor, 5 for vice-governors and 78 for assemblyman, according to the Comelec.

ARMM Regional Director Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao said, “Based on the law you can only be prevented from running if you are convicted.” In the case of the Isnajis, they are not yet convicted.

The father and son Isnaji are currently under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Crame for the kidnapping case filed against them. Mayor Isnaji was the one picked up by the kidnappers of the ABS-CBN news team to be the negotiator on the kidnapping incident.

But whether they can campaign and vote, they are still uncertain about it. Deputy Director General Emmanuel Carta, Deputy PNP Chief for Operations said that the case against the Isnajis is not bailable. “Their case is kidnapping and it is not bailable. Once the case is already filed at the Court, it will be the Court who will decide if they will alow them to campaign or vote,” Tolentino said.

Meanwhile the pursuit operations against the kidnappers of ABS-CBN news team and university professor will continue despite of the upcoming elections. “Operation on the kidnappers of Drilon, et al continues. The operation is continuing until such time the that all suspects will be accountable. No suspension on that,” Goltiao said.

The kidnapping incident happened in June 8 at Indanan, Sulu, which is part of ARMM wherein Ces Drilon, Angelo Valderama, Jimmy Encarnacion of ABS-CBN news team and Mindanao State University Professor Octavio Dinampo where kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf Group.