The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed grave concern over the "pattern of killings" related to the May 2025 midterm elections as it condemned the recent death of a Party-List nominee who was gunned down by unidentified assailants last April 28.
CHR condemns killing of Party-List nominee in Manila
Police reports stated that Leninsky Bacud, the third nominee of the Ang Bumbero Party-List, was shot by gunmen inside a barangay gymnasium in Sampaloc, Manila. The suspects immediately fled after shooting Bacud who was pronounced dead on arrival in a hospital.
In a statement, the CHR said: "The continued pattern of killings, especially as the midterm elections approach, is deeply alarming. This prevailing culture of violence threatens democratic processes and thereby hampers the ability of people to make free and informed political choices. Moreover, the targeted killing of electoral candidates deprives sectors of the opportunity to be represented in political affairs.”
The CHR had earlier dispatched a quick response operation (WRO) team as part of its independent probe on the incident.
It called on all relevant government agencies to hold the perpetrators accountable and “to create an environment that is safe for both candidates and voters alike as the midterm elections are fast approaching.”
With "preventive mechanisms" in place, together with strict implementation of the election gun ban, the CHR said that similar attacks can be avoided.
"Combating impunity is essential to fostering a climate of safety and trust, crucial to the conduct of peaceful and credible elections," it stressed.