It was back in 2006 that I had started blogging, but it would not be until the elections of 2007 that I would write so passionately about one person in such admiration as well as despair. It was Musa Dimasidsing that would be my own personal symbol of those elections, and partly the reason, to this day, I do not recognize Migz Zubiri as a real senator of our Republic.
I have already tackled the reasons why Migz Zubiri should not be held in high esteem, why, no matter the “hard work” he has done and will “try” to do, the most important act for him to have done is to have simply resigned and let Koko Pimentel take his place on the 12th Senatorial Spot back in 2007. He did not do this, and one can only figure that if we cannot trust a candidate to do what is right even before he takes office, how then can we trust such a candidate once in office?
But this article is about Musa Dimasidsing, a school district supervisor, and a designated election supervisor back in The Elections of 2007. Dimasidsing would stand up in the face of much threats because he knew that it was his duty to do so.
The background information on Musa Dimasidsing can be found in my personal blog:
Dimasidsing, the designated election supervisor in Maguindanao during the elections, reportedly witnessed the alleged rigging of the votes in the province.
He also filed a complaint against several members of the Board of Election Inspectors after accusing them of committing irregularities in the canvassing of results in Pagalungan.
Dimasidsing was said to be the one who also confirmed the testimonies of Pagalungan Elementary School teachers that they were harassed and intimidated by political operators behind the town’s election irregularities.
He also reported to authorities that four ballot boxes were snatched by armed men believed working for a politician in Pagalungan during the May 14 elections.
It was on a Saturday Evening, on June 9th of 2007, the fateful night where Musa Dimasidsing, 60 years of age, would lose his life, gunned down, when he could have easily just sat back, went along with the fraud, and kept his safety and ultimately his life.
I continue to remember Musa Dimasidsing, and I want everyone to know and remember as well. For in our votes are many aspects of our democracy, and it is in Musa’s convictions, and his ultimate sacrifice that I will always hold his life close to heart.
Two years after his death, we remember Musa and his belief in the sanctity of our right of suffrage. We remember his heroism and his ultimate sacrifice. In guarding the votes, in being a whistleblower, he has earned a close spot in my heart, and I hope we continue to honor him each year.
Popularity: 1% [?]
Yep, too bad he’s not an English-speaking Middle Classer like that Iranian woman who drowned in her own blood.
indeed Brian, the news two years ago, coupled with the teachers that were also killed in Taysan really dampened my spirits.. those elections were memorable on so many aspects.. and is the reason why I am disgusted whenever I see a mugshot of Migz Zubiri or even just a mention of him.. heck, writing his name pisses me off royally.
Dimasidsing was someone who should not have died, had the COMELEC did its job, protected the whistleblowers, and took decisive and urgent actions, Musa would still be alive today.
We have not learned the right ways to choose our leaders. We do it
by cheating, killing violence, etc…
Shukran (thanks) nick for writing about him and his death in particular.
This is what the Bangsamoro revolution aims for, i.e. to change and replace Malacanan local extension of dirty politics, political dynasties, despotism and corrupt governance.
Sana andito pa rin si DJB (and his likes), so i would tell him to learn not to lump events indiscriminately together, particularly when talking about peace, war and politics here in Mindanao.
Thanks for reminding us of the sacrifice of Musa. There is too much injustice in our country.
Indeed Koko, indeed. I followed the election closely, and has contributed much to the reason why I still and will continue to follow the politics of our nation. Our citizens must realize that the sacrifices of those in the past should always be remembered, whether they are those of Rizal, Ninoy, or Musa..