CHR deeply alarmed over election-related violence amid gun ban

The Commission on Human Rights said Monday that killings involving public officials and political candidates amid the implementation of gun ban is deeply alarming.

The CHR issued the statement in light of the ambush of the 25-year-old barangay captain Binhar Julambre Alon Jawad of Brgy. Baraas, Lanao del Sur who was shot dead by still unknown assailants while on his way to a graduation ceremony last April 9.

Aside from Jawad’s death, confessed illegal drug trader and Albuera, Leyte mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa was also attacked by assailants in the campaign trail last April 10. Espinosa survived the shooting.

“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,” the CHR said.

“These violence is a stark reminder of the urgent need to intensify efforts to uphold peace, safeguard human rights, and ensure the protection of political participation, particularly in the Bangsamoro Region. 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 added.

The CHR’s Region 10 office is already investigating Jawad’s death.

“The CHR acknowledges the swift response of law enforcement agencies in the region and echoes the call for a thorough and impartial investigation. Holding perpetrators accountable is vital not only to deliver justice, but also to restore public confidence—especially among voters—in the safety and integrity of the electoral process,” it said.

The CHR then urged all sectors to work together in ensuring that 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. Let us all work together in pushing for a peaceful, fair and humane 2025 elections," it added.

Just less than a day ago, Muhammad Utti Omar, who is running for a board member seat in the 1st District of Maguindanao del Sur, and his driver were also shot by unidentified armed men in the municipality of Datu Anggal Midtimbang.

Omar and his driver sustained minor injuries.—AOL, GMA Integrated News

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