THE national leadership of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) on Saturday upheld its support for the candidacy of presidential frontrunner Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.,even as they dispelled reports that some members in its Baguio chapter have shifted their allegiance to another candidate .

In a press conference in Baguio City, KBL Vice President for Luzon Chris Garrido read the party’s official statement, saying that there is no truth to the reported withdrawal of support from its Baguio chapter members.

“This is to inform the public that there is no truth to the publicized withdrawal of support of the KBL members in Baguio City. We want to assure you that our officers and members are fully in support of BBM,” a portion of the statement signed by KBL National President Efren A Rafanan Sr. read.

Last Wednesday, (April 13), a group of KBL-Baguio Benguet officers were invited to a private residence lunch meeting and asked to bring their appointment papers by a fellow party official.

Several officers who attended the Wednesday event explained to the media members that they were kept in the dark about the reason for the meeting.

After entering the venue, the group said that the gates were closed behind them, and media members streamed in, taking photos and videos.

They added that they felt helpless as a tarpaulin bearing the image of Isko Domagoso was unfurled behind them while they were raising their KBL appointment papers.

“Nakisakay na lang kami dahil wala na kaming magawa at sumunod na lang sa kanila,” the group said.

The group also showed a T-shirt, ID sling, and a pack of rice given to them by the event organizer they identified as Aries Mendoza.

According to Rafanan, an initial investigation conducted by Chris Garrido, the party’s vice president for Luzon, revealed a nationwide effort from the camp of presidential candidate Isko

Domagoso to “present a scenario” where Marcos supporters are backing out and switching to Domagoso.

Rafanan added that Domagoso’s move is “a desperate attempt” to show an artificial increase in the number of his supporters and prevent the irreversible victory of BBM in this coming election.

Rafanan also said that the KBL leadership is mulling the filing of charges against the individuals responsible for the “frame up” and “vote buying” directed at their members.

Rafanan added that Domagoso’s move is a “desperate attempt” to show an artificial increase in his supporters’ number and prevent the irreversible victory of BBM in this coming election.

“We appeal to our supporters to be in tact and vigilant, as there are DIVIDE AND RULE, and DEMOLITION Strategy being undertaken by opposing parties and individuals to thwart the imminent LANDSLIDE victory of BBM and SARA and the UNITEAM,” Rafanan added.

“Our apology to the concerned BBM supporters and the public for the delay of this statement as everybody is very busy in observance of the Holy Week.

Thank You and Keep on Praying for a Clean, Peaceful and Honest Election,” Rafanan stressed.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Ryan Ponce Pacpaco