ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / May 9, 2013) – Poll watchdog Kontra Daya has opened its regional headquarters in Zamboanga City where a pool of volunteers will monitor elections in the local level and document cases of fraud, anomalies, threats and risks.
Formed in 2010, Kontra Daya is a broad nationwide campaign of various organizations and individuals. Among its members are representatives from the religious sector, artists, concerned citizens, activists, youth and students, lawyers, IT experts, teachers, government employees and ordinary Filipinos who are committed against election fraud and other anomalies and violent incidents related to the upcoming elections and even the threat of an electoral failure.
It set up headquarters at the Holy Trinity Church in Roseller Lim Boulevard which would also serve as its information dissemination and databank center for the elections in Western Mindanao.
The launching of the Kontra Daya at the United Methodist Church was welcome by various groups and organizations in Western Mindanao. The Kontra Daya campaign includes Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz, Bishop Elmer Bolocon, Fr. Jose Dizon, Bibeth Orteza, Prof. Giovanni Tapang, Mo. Mary John Mananzan, Atty. Glen Romano, Carlitos Reyna, Betina Legarda, Henri Khan, Renato Reyes, Jr., Rick Bahague Jr., Dr. Leni Jara, Dr. Geneve Rivera, Benjie Valbuena, Alvin Peters, Trina Federis, Jiggs Clamor, Atty. Ed Olalia, Pagbabago, AGHAM, Solidarity Philippines, CPU, ACT, Kawani Kontra Daya, Tayo ang Pag-asa, Concerned Citizens Movement, FPJPM, BAYAN, Religious Discernment Group, among others.
The group has appealed to citizens to stay vigilant and report different forms of electoral fraud and violence and use of government resources for the electoral bid of incumbent officials and their party mates.
It also vowed to protect the votes of the people in their choice of running candidates and parties that are pro-people and advocates of peace, justice, and national sovereignty.
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