Killings of BSKE hopefuls before campaign period alarming- CHR
By J.Lo
"Continued occurrences of violence against electoral candidates undermines electoral process and negatively impacts our democracy… culture of fear it creates can impair people's right to make free and empowered decisions," Commission on Human Rights expressed concern over series of violent incidents related to 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections occurring before start of campaign period.
BSKE campaign period will be from October 19 to 28,2023.
In statement, human rights body called attention to at least four cases in different parts of the country involving either killings of electoral candidates or incidents where they are heavily wounded by gunmen.
CHR is already probing these incidents, with Philippine National Police and Commission on Elections also acting on cases.
CHR flagged following cases:
- Incumbent Albay barangay chairperson Alex Repato — shot dead in front of his house by an unidentified gunman shortly after submitting his COC at the Comelec (August 28); the fourth barangay official killed recently
- Barangay chairperson candidate Haron Dimalanis — shot by two men in front of the Midsayap, Cotabato municipal hall (August 20)
- A barangay chairman seeking reelection and a former councilor were attacked and shot in their car in Zamboanga (September 3)
- Barangay captain re-electionist Erasmo Hernandez — shot dead by unidentified men riding a motorcycle in Barangay Poblacion Zone 10, Taal, Batangas (September 6)
"Cases manifest rising numbers of election-related violence as 2023 barangay and SK elections approach, continued occurrences of violence against electoral candidates undermines electoral process and negatively impacts our democracy… culture of fear it creates can impair people's right to make free and empowered decisions," CHR said.
CHR also called for establishment of more preventative mechanisms to prevent similar incidents of violence, especially in hotspot areas.
In press conference Philippine National Police said around 22 incidents of violence suspected to be related to upcoming elections.
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