As the 2025 midterm national election approaches, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it has started monitoring incidents of threats, harassment, and violence against elective officials like those in the barangay (village) level.

"We stress that these acts incite fear across communities and erode public confidence in the electoral process, potentially distorting the integrity of the forthcoming polls," the CHR said in a statement issued on Monday, Sept. 23.

It cited the attack last Sept. 3 against Lito Mansamo, the barangay chairperson of Datu Salumay in Davao City, and his wife Alma.

Based on reports, the CHR said that the spouses were travelling on Bukidnon Road when two unidentified suspects wearing bonnets and carrying long and short firearms blocked their path and shot at them multiple times.

It said that while Mansamo came out unscathed, his wife sustained an injury in her right knee.

The CHR said it has already dispatched a Quick Response Operation (QRO) team after receiving reports of the attack, and has called on the government to ensure a safe environment for local leaders and their constituents as they are about to engage in what is supposed to be a free and peaceful electoral process.

"Although the Commission is yet to determine whether this incident is politically motivated, we take this opportunity to reiterate that similar acts of violence undermine social order and the rule of law, regardless of reason," it said.

It assured that it will "constantly monitor incidents of threats, harassment, and violence against local leaders, especially as the 2025 midterm election approaches."