The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed deep concern over election-related violence that "threatens an individual’s political right."
"Whatever the motive may be, an assault to human life should immediately warrant action from the government to demonstrate that lawlessness and vigilante-style violence have no place in a democratic society," the CHR said in a statement.
It pointed out last Sunday’s, March 13, attempt on the life of Bayan Muna coordinator Larry B. Villegas in his home in Barangay Buayan in General Santos City.
Citing reports, the CHR said that Villegas, chairperson of the Rajah Buayan Transport Cooperative, was cleaning his tricycle when unidentified gunman shot him. He sustained gunshot wounds on his leg.
Prior to the shooting, Villegas was reportedly preparing to support a political campaign and allegedly received death threats.
CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia, a lawyer, said the CHR’s office in Region XII has started its probe on the shooting incident.
"Although Villegas survived the incident, CHR condemns this attack perpetrated towards a political convenor and urges for local police enforcers to act quickly in pursuit of those behind this crime," De Guia said.
Since both the national and local elections are fast approaching, “the CHR is urging both local governments and law enforcements to exercise vigilance against any election-related violence which threatens a person's political right,” she stressed.