2 barangay chiefs slain as Barangay and SK polls near

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia yesterday expressed fear over the killing of two village officials in the past two days, a few months before the conduct of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in October.

Garcia’s reaction came in the wake of attacks that killed village chiefs Mario Delfin Tundag, 57, of Barangay Manguiao in Asturias, Cebu and Hadji Basit Zangkala of Barangay Labo-Labo in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur.

“This is what we fear – violence before the election period when the Comelec does not have the power yet. The exercise of our patience and determination will be tested when the proper time comes,” Garcia said.

Tundag’s wife Edna, 49, was also killed in the incident that occurred yesterday morning in Barangay Poblacion. The victims were on their way home on a motorcycle when motorcycle-riding men shot them, according to town police chief Maj. Alden Zambrano.

Police are eyeing politics and personal grudge as among the motives for the killing.

In 2016, Tundag was arrested after police recovered illegal firearms following a raid on his property.

Meanwhile, Zangkala was walking in the nearby town of Shariff Aguak when he was killed on Tuesday.

Zangkala was declared dead on arrival in a nearby hospital, according to Maj. Haron Macabanding, chief of the Shariff Aguak police.

The killing occurred days after armed men strafed the house of Guiabar Dalinding, chairman of Barangay Simuay in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. No one was killed or wounded in the incident.

Garcia said there have been efforts by the poll body to address violence ahead of the barangay and SK polls.

He said Comelec field personnel have been instructed to coordinate with police and the military.

Local poll officials were also ordered to coordinate with law enforcers and study possible areas of concern that may be placed under Comelec control.

Garcia said the poll body does not consider the killing of Tundag and Zangkala as election-related incidents as the filing of certificates of candidacy for the barangay and SK polls has yet to start.

He warned aspiring candidates against resorting to violence, noting the poll body is ready to take all legal remedies available to stop them from seeking elective posts.

“Don’t test the limit of our patience. We will not sit idly. If you obey the law and the rules, we will protect you. But if you are a lawbreaker, say goodbye to your candidacy. Your choice,” Garcia said.

He said the Comelec has recorded killings involving barangay officials in Batangas, Lanao del Sur and Negros. – The Freeman, John Unson