The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started its own investigations and collaborations with various government agencies in probing the recent string of kilings of barangay (village) officials nationwide.

In a statement, the CHR said it "vehemently" condems these atrocious acts. It said its various regional offices have launched their quick response operation (QRO) to assist in their independent probes.

It said the first case they will look into was the stabbing incident of a barangay kagawad in Legazpi City, Albay last March 6. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds throughout his body, while the suspect is currently in the custody of the police.

That same day, unidentified armed men gunned down three neighbors in a remote area of Barangay Tudela sa Trento, Agusan del Sur. One of the victims was a former barangay captain.

The third case involved a senior citizen who is also a barangay kagawad in Legazpi City, Albay. Reports said that the suspect broke into the victim's home and stabbed him to death on the afternoon of March 8. While the victim was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Finally, the fourth case involved another barangay kagawad who was killed in an attack by motorcycle-riding men in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur on March 30.

"These incidents impede everyone's democratic right to participate in a free and peaceful electoral process by instilling threats not only in the community, but also in local leaders seeking to serve their constituents," the CHR said.

"These violent acts create a culture of fear and directly breach the most fundamental right of all – the right to life itself. As duty-bearers, we cannot allow citizens to become desensitized to attacks on those engaged in political activities," it also said.