MANILA (September 14, 2023)—The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned the recent series of violence against barangay (village) electoral candidates in various parts of the country.
The CHR noted that the campaign season for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) has yet to commence, yet acts of assault and violence have already been recorded.
It mentioned the first case, which involved the killing of Alex Repato, an incumbent chairman of Barangay San Jose in Libon, Albay.
Repato was gunned down on August 28 in front of his house by an unidentified gunman shortly after submitting his certificate of candidacy (CoC) at the Commission on Elections.
Repato was the fourth barangay official in Libon town to be attacked recently. The list includes Kagawad Reliosa Mata and her husband Alfredo Mata of Barangay Nogpo; Barangay Captain Oscar Maronilla of Barangay San Pascua; and Kagawad Salvador Olivares of Barangay Bariw.
The second case involves the killing of Haron Dimalanis in Midsayap, Cotabato, who was slain on August 30. Dimalanis filed his CoC for barangay chairman of Barangay Malingao in the Special Geographic Area in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, or BARMM.
Reports said Dimalanis was having lunch with several companions at the plaza fronting the Midsayap municipal hall when two men fired shots in their direction and fled thereafter.
In Zamboanga, a barangay chairman seeking reelection and a former councilor were attacked on September 3. Police reports showed that Jul-Asmad Mawajil Anjawang and his brother Jamar Mawajil Anjawang from Barangay Pamanasaan were shot in their car by two gunmen. The gunmen were already arrested.
In Batangas province, barangay captain reelectionist Erasmo Hernandez was gunned down by unidentified motorcycle-riding men on September 5 in Barangay Poblacion Zone 10 in Taal town.
The CHR said a Special Investigation Task Group in Batangas was immediately formed to investigate and determine whether the incident was election-related.
“These cases manifest the rising numbers of election-related violence as the 2023 Barangay and SK elections approach,” the CHR lamented.
“Continued occurrences of violence against electoral candidates undermine the electoral process and negatively impact our democracy,” it added.
The CHR said that the culture of fear it creates can impair the people’s right to make free and empowered decisions and deprive them of options for representation that could improve their lives and their communities.
According to the commission, an independent motu proprio investigation is being conducted into these incidents to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
“We also note the recent actions of the Philippine National Police to collaborate with the Commission on Elections and relevant government agencies and security forces to address these cases of election-related violence,” the commission said.
The commission also called on the government and local authorities concerned to ensure the swift delivery of justice, stating that “preventive mechanisms and heightened alertness are also expected to prevent similar incidents of violence and attacks, especially in hotspot areas.”
“[While] a peaceful electoral process is a cornerstone of every thriving democracy, it is incumbent upon all concerned government agencies, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, to create an environment in which voters, including electoral candidates, can freely and safely exercise their right to suffrage and right to participate,” the CHR added. LCD