CHR: Village execs’ slays can affect barangay, SK polls

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is urging the government to hasten the investigation on the killings of village officials, saying unabated local violence can affect the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in October.

“The CHR underscores the serious consequences of these repeated incidents and its effects on Filipinos. Not only does this affect the safety of communities, but it also has possible ramifications on the results of the upcoming elections,” the CHR said in a statement yesterday.

It said violence that might be related to politics threatens the credibility and legitimacy of electoral processes.

The CHR was reacting to separate attacks last week that killed Mario Tundag, chief of Barangay Manguiao in Asturias, Cebu, and his wife Edna as well as of Hadji Basit Zangkala, chief of Barangay Labu-Labu 2 in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.

CHR offices in Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) have launched motu proprio investigation on the matter.

The CHR noted that both incidents involved motorcycle-riding assailants who fatally shot the victims.

“Although police have yet to determine if these incidents were related or politically motivated, such acts of violence undermine social order and the rule of law,” the CHR said.