CHR condemns killings of local officials in lead-up to 2025 elections

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has raised alarm over the continued violence against local officials in the lead-up to the 2025 elections with the recent killing of a municipal councilor in Maguindanao del Sur last month.

“With the upcoming elections, it is crucial that every Filipino feels safe and secure in participating in political activities without fear of violence,” the commission said in a statement.

“A truly democratic nation ensures that its citizens can participate freely in political affairs,” it said.

The CHR said it has started its investigation regarding the killing of Usman Alamada, a municipal councilor in Buluan City,
who was shot and killed on Sept. 15 while standing with his companions in front of a roadside restaurant.

On the same day, Elvin Moires, a Teduray leader from Barangay South Upi, was also killed after attending a tribal wedding ceremony.

“It is essential to enhance the protection of indigenous peoples (IPs),” the commission said. The agency also urged for the enactment of laws and policies that offer protection to IPs against harassment and violence.

In an earlier statement, the CHR expressed “grave concern” regarding a series of shooting incidents involving local officials in Abra which occurred in just a span of three weeks.

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Former Bañacao Barangay Chair Marcelo Banayos and Pidigan, Abra Vice Mayor Noel Bisares both survived shooting attacks on Aug. 29 and Sept. 12, respectively, while former Dolores Sangguniang Bayan member Gregorio Castillo was gunned down by riding-in-tandem suspects on Sept. 1.

The incidents “directly affect the integrity of the democratic process,” said the CHR. “[T]hese cases, if left unresolved, could foster a culture of impunity in the province, eroding trust in the justice system and public institutions.”

The commission called on the government to implement enhanced security measures and ensure that the province of Abra has an environment “conducive to the safe and peaceful exercise of voting rights.”