CHR urges strict gun ban enforcement amid election violence

The Commission on Human Rights has urged the strict enforcement of the 2025 election gun ban and stronger security protocols for campaign activities following a string of election-related attacks, including the killing of a mayoral candidate.

This call comes after Rizal, Cagayan Mayor Joel Ruma was fatally shot on April 23 during a campaign sortie. Several civilians were also injured in the incident. The case has been referred to CHR Region 2 for a prompt and thorough investigation.

“CHR vehemently condemns the fatal shooting incident that transpired during a campaign sortie,” the commission said in a Friday statement. “As the country’s independent national human rights institution, we reaffirm that all forms of violence are unjustifiable—especially when they violate the most basic of human rights: the right to life.”

The CHR warned that escalating violence targeting public officials and electoral candidates not only endangered individuals but also undermined the democratic right of citizens to participate freely and safely in the political process.

“In light of frequent election-related violence across the country, CHR reiterates the urgent need for proactive and preventive action,” it said, calling for stricter implementation of the gun ban and enhanced security measures during campaigns.

The commission emphasized that these steps were essential not just for protecting lives, but also for preserving public confidence in the electoral process.

It also acknowledged the swift response of local authorities to the Rizal incident and underscored the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, while addressing the root causes of political violence.

CHR further called on all sectors to foster a safe and inclusive democratic environment. "In a democracy, safeguarding the sanctity of elections is a shared duty that requires vigilance, resolve, and solidarity,” it said.

International condemnation

Marta Temido, a member of the European Parliament and Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission for the May 2025 midterm polls, also condemned the recent attacks.

“[An election] is such a complex process, but I would say that violence would be a major concern, not only here in the Philippines, but everywhere. And we cannot, we don't ever look for violence in a democratic process,” Temido said.

“We condemn violence and we regret violence.”

Mayor Ruma’s killing follows other incidents of election-related violence.

On April 9, 25-year-old barangay captain Binhar Julambre Alon Jawad of Lanao del Sur was shot dead en route to a graduation ceremony.

Just a day later, mayoral candidate and confessed drug trader Kerwin Espinosa survived a shooting attack while campaigning in Albuera, Leyte. — DVM, GMA Integrated News

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