DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Around 200 teachers and volunteer educators who served as members of the Electoral Board during the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections held a prayer rally to deny accusations of irregularities and election fraud.
The gathering aimed to express their concern over unfounded allegations that they were involved in misconduct, including claims of favoritism and manipulation during the local elections. The teachers stressed that they acted with integrity and fairness, and they are now seeking to clear their names from baseless accusations.
Fearing for their safety and reputations, the educators voiced their reluctance to serve in future elections. Many admitted to experiencing stress and mental anguish as a result of the accusations, with some having received official subpoenas from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Around 150 teachers from the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat have already responded to the summons with counter-affidavits, refuting the claims made against them.
During the prayer rally, the teachers emphasized their trust in divine intervention for a just resolution to their situation. They also clarified that they were not criticizing any government agency, but simply wanted to assert their innocence and defend themselves against the false accusations.
The teachers organized the prayer rally of their own volition, with no external influence, to convey their feelings and seek a peaceful resolution to the issue. The group hopes that their voices will be heard and that their integrity as educators will be upheld.
