The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed apprehensions as it deplored the series of violent acts committed against persons who are candidates in the coming 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) . 

In a statement, the CHR said that the election-related violence only serve to undermine the electoral process and negatively impacts Filipinos' democracy.

"The culture of fear it creates can impair the people's right to make free and empowered decisions. It also deprives them of options for representation that could improve their life and their community," it said.

It also said it has spearheaded its independent investigations into these incidents to ensure justice for the victims and their families. 

These probes will take place as the Philippine National Police (PNP) collaborates with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and other relevant government agencies to address these cases of election-related violence, it stressed. 

It cited several cases of violence in the coming BSKE.  It said the first case involved the killing of Alex Repato, an incumbent chairperson of Barangay San Jose in Libon, Albay. Repato was reportedly shot down in front of his house by an unidentified gunman shortly after submitting his certificate of candidacy (COC) at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last Aug. 28.

Sadly, it said, Repato is already the fourth barangay official in Libon who was attacked recently. Previously, attacks have been made against Barangay Kagawad Reliosa Mata and her husband Alfredo Mata of Barangay Nogpo, Barangay Captain Oscar Maronilla of Barangay San Pascual, and Barangay Kagawad Salvador Olivares of Barangay Bariw.

It said the second case is the killing of Haron Dimalanis in Midsayap, Cotabato last Aug. 30. Dimalanis filed his COC for barangay chairman of Malingao in the Special Geographic Area in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He was already having lunch with several companions at the plaza fronting the Midsayap municipal hall when two men began shooting in their direction. The police said that the suspects then fled on a motorcycle. 

Another barangay chairman seeking reelection and a former councilor were both attacked in Zamboanga last Sept. 3, the CHR said. Initial police reports stated that Jul-Asmad Anjawang and his brother, Jamar Anjawang, from Barangay Pamanasaan had been shot in their car by two gunmen. The gunmen have already been arrested, but another suspect managed to flee during the police operation.

The fourth reported case, the CHR said,  took place last Sept 5 in Barangay Poblacion Zone 10 in Taal, Batangas. Barangay captain and re-electionist Erasmo Hernandez was gunned down by unidentified men riding a motorcycle. A Special Investigation Task Group in Batangas was immediately formed to investigate and determine whether the incident was election-related.

"As the primary duty-bearer, we call on the government and local authorities concerned to ensure the swift delivery of justice. Preventive mechanisms and heightened alertness are also expected to prevent similar incidents of violence and attacks, especially in hotspot areas," the CHR said.

"A peaceful electoral process is a cornerstone of every thriving democracy. It is incumbent upon all concerned government agencies, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, to create an environment in which voters, including electoral candidates, can freely and safely exercise their right to suffrage and right to participate," it added.