The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged the provincial government of Abra to act expeditiously on the attack against another local official in the province last Sept. 12.
The CHR was referring to the case of Pidigan town Vice Mayor Noel Bisares who was attacked but survived the atempt on his life.
Citing police reports, the CHR said that Bisares was inside his construction supply store when the shooting incident, instigated by an unidentified gunman, took place.
With Bisares' case, there are now three incidents of attacks against incumbent and former local government officials in the province in a span of three weeks.
It said that the other victims were former Dolores Sangguniang Bayan member Gregorio Castillo, 74, who was gunned down by a riding-in-tandem assailant last Sept. 1 and former Bañacao barangay (village) chairman Marcelo Banayos, 58, along with his nephew Jansen B. Blanes, 20, last Aug. 29.
"The CHR strongly condemns these violent acts and calls for immediate action from the provincial authorities to resolve these cases. We urge the swift apprehension of the perpetrators and justice for the victims. It is crucial that such incidents are dealt with urgency to prevent further escalation," the CHR said in a statement.
It warned that these shooting incidents not only put the safety of local constituents in danger, but they also pose a threat to the community's peace and order.
"More importantly, they directly affect the integrity of the democratic process. With the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, the continuing violence may instill fear among citizens, discouraging their participation in the electoral process. Such a climate undermines the right to free and fair elections, which is a cornerstone of democracy," the CHR warned.
If left unresolved, the CHR said that these attacks might foster a culture of impunity in the province and erode the justice system.
"We call on the government to implement enhanced security measures to safeguard the community, uphold the rule of law, and ensure that the environment in Abra is conducive to the safe and peaceful exercise of voting rights," the CHR said.
"Reforms are necessary to restore public confidence and protect the right of every citizen to participate in free and fair elections without fear or intimidation," it also said.