CHR probes attacks vs election candidates, local officials

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started investigation into the attacks against election candidates and officials nationwide that took place before and after the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC).

Condemning the attacks, the CHR on Tuesday said it deployed a quick response operation to probe and assess if the attacks are politically motivated.

“The Commission vehemently condemns these incidents which undermine the integrity of local governments, the effectiveness of public service, and every Filipino’s right to a safe environment — especially as the election season approaches,” the Commission said in a statement.

“We must be reminded that violence affecting both electoral candidates and community peacekeepers also endangers the safety and well-being of every Filipino voter,” it added.

One of the incidents involved Francisco Bagay, a barangay chairperson in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte who was gunned down by unidentified men at his own garage on September 20.

In another incident, Agutaya municipal election officer Emmanuel Gacott and his wife were found dead in their home in Palawan on September 25.

Another attack took the lives of Bello Joseph Padue Valorozo, a barangay kagawad, and his son on September 23 in San Juan, Ilocos Sur. The two were shot dead by suspects on board a motorcycle.

On October 8, the CHR noted that one Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team member died while six others were injured after an incident between residents and a group of a supposed vice mayoral candidate in Maguindanao del Sur. 

According to the CHR, Toto Gogo Kensa, another barangay kagawad who is vying for a seat, was also shot dead in Maguindanao del Sur on October 19. 

The filing of COCs was held from October 1 to October 8. The midterm elections will be held on May 12, 2025.

“The Commission emphasizes that every Filipino is guaranteed their right to vote as a foundational pillar to their participation in the process of genuine democratic governance which represents the will of the masses,” the CHR said.

“In order to uphold the sanctity of our ballots, we must first recognize the quality of democracy that we all hold the obligation to preserve — one that is free from violence and should be characterized by fairness, transparency, and impartiality,” it added. —KBK, GMA Integrated News