The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its regional offices, has started its own probe on the reported killings of local executives and election candidates in Zamboanga del Sur and Maguindanao.

The CHR acted on verified reports that a councilor from Barangay Upper Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur suffered from 12 gunshot wounds resulting to his immediate death on Jan. 3. The next day, another councilor from Barangay Lantawan, in the same municipality, was fatally shot while riding his motorcycle.

It said that the barangay chairperson of Sambulawan in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur was also shot multiple times after praying in his balcony on Jan. 3. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, a municipal council candidate in Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte died on the spot on Jan. 18 after being ambushed while riding a motorcycle home from the Midsayap area. The victim was also a former chairperson and councilor of Barangay Paulino Labio.

The reports stated that authorities are still determining whether the said attacks are politically motivated.

For its part, the CHR has expressed its utmost concern over the killings of local officials, as these crimes undermine the integrity and effectiveness of public service and cultivates a culture of fear and violence in communities.

"We denounce similar incidents which violate the most fundamental of all rights—the right to life—this time affecting public officials and candidates as we approach the 2025 National and Local Elections," the CHR said in a statement.

It said a secure environment is essential in the conduct of proper and credible elections, as this will enable every citizen to participate in the political process without fear for their safety.

"We remain steadfast in collaborating with the relevant agencies to ensure that these cases are investigated and prosecuted with justice, fairness, and transparency," it stressed.