The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Sunday, April 13, asked the government to ensure the safety of local officials, candidates and all Filipinos in this year's mid-term elections.

The call was renewed by the CHR following the killing of Binhar Julambre Alon Jawad, chairman of Barangay Baraas in Picong, Lanao del Sur.

Jawad was killed during an ambush conducted by unidentified assailants last April 9 while he and his companion were en route to a graduation ceremony.

“Any threat to public officials and political candidates undermines democratic values and hampers the creation of an inclusive and secure environment for all,” the CHR pointed out in a statement.

“Amid the current implementation of the gun ban in view of the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, it is deeply alarming that killings involving public officials and political candidates continue to occur,” it said. 

It pointed out the recent incident on killings calls for " the urgent need to intensify efforts to uphold peace, safeguard human rights, and ensure the protection of political participation, particularly in the Bangsamoro Region.”

Thus, the CHR urged all sectors “to work together in fostering a society where every Filipino can safely and meaningfully engage in public affairs --free from fear, coercion, or harm."

"In a democratic country, protecting the sanctity of elections is a responsibility we all share—one that must be approached with vigilance and resolve,” it stressed.

• It said its Regional Office X has “already initiated an independent investigation of the case, pursuant to its mandate.”