Agron Dragaj photography

Mindanao-On the knife's edge: political Intimidations

Elections in the Philippines are often followed by Intimidation, harassment and killing of the supporters of the political rivals, especially in Mindanao as political dynasties of powerful clans in southern restive province of Philippines, continue to use private armies to intimidate supporters of the rival candidates.

Abdul Wahad "Allan" SABAL, Liberal party candidate for vice mayor of the Talitay municipality is escorted at all times by armed special police force officers. There have been several attempts on lives of Sabal brothers since the election campaign began. The grenade was launched in their campaign HQ killing one person and injuring ten supporters.Intimidation, harassment and killing of the supporters of the political rivals in Mindanao are increasing amid impending presidential and general elections in Philippines. Political dynasties of powerful clans in Mindanao, southern restive province of Philippines, continue to use private armies to intimidate supporters of the rival candidates.
   
  
     
  
   
  
Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao Philippines.Willson Nandang, the Liberal party candidate for mayor of Pagadin city stands between two armed police officers in his family house in Pagadin city. Mr. Nandang claims to have escaped attempt on his life. his killing allegedly was ordered by the family of the current mayor. He claims to have been ambushed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) captain Oscampan Buinaopra who still is in the PNP service. Dozen of supporters of the Liberal party candidate for mayor Willson Nandang where heading to campaign rally when group of armed men in bonnets ordered supporters to leave the scene while they killed a driver, Abubakar Padino Somal (47) was killed in Nuburan village, Langapod municipality. Number of killed persons from Langapod municipality is six while several dozens were injured since the election campaign started in Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao.Intimidation, harassment and killing of the supporters of the political rivals in Mindanao are increasing amid impending presidential and general elections in Philippines. Political dynasties of powerful clans in Mindanao, southern restive province of Philippines, continue to use private armies to intimidate supporters of the rival candidates.
     
  
Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines.police officer at the crime scene where a driver was killed and two trucks were burned.Dozen of supporters of the Liberal party candidate for mayor Willson Nandang where heading to campaign rally when group of armed men in bonnets ordered supporters to leave the scene while they killed a driver, Abubakar Padino Somal (47) was killed in Nuburan village, Langapod municipality.Intimidation, harassment and killing of the supporters of the political rivals in Mindanao are increasing amid impending presidential and general elections in Philippines. Political dynasties of powerful clans in Mindanao, southern restive province of Philippines, continue to use private armies to intimidate supporters of the rival candidates..
   
Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao Philippines.Noria Gonzagon Samal (46) wife of the killed driver cries while holds two minor children.Dozen of supporters of the Liberal party candidate for mayor Willson Nandang where heading to campaign rally when group of armed men in bonnets ordered supporters to leave the scene while they killed a driver, Abubakar Padino Somal (47) was killed in Nuburan village, Langapod municipality.Intimidation, harassment and killing of the supporters of the political rivals in Mindanao are increasing amid impending presidential and general elections in Philippines. Political dynasties of powerful clans in Mindanao, southern restive province of Philippines, continue to use private armies to intimidate supporters of the rival candidates.
   
     
  
A child watches members of the special police force during the raid which was allegedly orchestrated by the opponent political candidate during the election campaign in Maguindanao.
   
A child watches member of the special police force as he checks her mothers belongings during the raid which was allegedly orchestrated by the opponnent political candidate during the election campaign in Maguindanao.
   
A child watches members of the special police force during the raid which was allegedly orchestrated by the opponent political candidate during the election campaign in Maguindanao.