SECURITY EFFORTS. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia reports new election-related violence in Cotabato City and Masbate province during an ambush interview in Manila on Tuesday (Oct. 24, 2023). Garcia said the Comelec is working closely with law enfrocement authorities to ensure peace and security for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday called for stricter measures against loose firearms as more election-related violence were reported ahead of the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia made the appeal following separate shooting incidents in Cotabato City and Masbate province that left five dead and five injured.
"Baka pu-pwedeng mas ma-strengthen, ma-intensify natin iyong operasyon laban sa loose firearms. Lalung-lalo na dapat immediate na maaresto kung sino man iyong mga responsible sa krimen na ito (We could perhaps strengthen or intensify our operation against loose firearms more. Most importantly, the immediate arrest of those responsible for these crimes)," he said.
In Cotabato City, two candidates for village council and a supporter were killed while installing campaign posters in Barangay Rosary Heights 12 on Monday night.
In Masbate, a civilian was killed while a candidate for barangay chair and another resident were hurt in Barangay Tan-awan in Placer town.
A candidate for barangay councilor, meanwhile, died and an incumbent barangay chairperson was wounded in Barangay Maingaran, Masbate City.
Twelve suspects have already been arrested for the Cotabato shooting, while hot pursuit operations and investigations are ongoing in Masbate City and Placer.
Garcia vowed justice for these "unacceptable and unforgivable" crimes, with the help of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
"Nakakabagabag iyang ganyang klase ng mga insidente lalo pa't hindi naman nasasaktan lang kundi may namamatay tayong kababayan. Ang pagtakbo ay di dapat kadahilanan upang may magbuwis ng buhay (These kinds of incidents are bothersome because our fellow Filipinos are not only hurt but also killed. Running for office must not be a cause to lose someone's life)," he said.
Garcia warned anew private armed groups and other individuals trying to cause violence as the BSKE nears.
"Warning ito na hahabulin namin lahat ng nagbabanta at nagbabalak na gumawa ng krimen lalo na patungkol sa mga magkakalaban sa eleksyon (This is a warning that we will go after all threatening and planning to perform a crime against election opponents)," he added.
Despite the shootings, Garcia noted that this year's BSKE-related violence remains the lowest in history.
The Comelec chief commended the "effectivity" of the implementation of the gun ban and setting up of checkpoints nationwide.
"Kung walang gun ban at checkpoints na nakaaresto ng mahigit 2,000 violators ng gun ban, hindi siguro ganyan kababa ang ating election-related violence (If there's no gun ban and checkpoints which nabbed 2,000 gun ban violators, maybe the election-related violence wouldn't be that low)," Garcia said.
Based on recent data, the Comelec has so far recorded 25 verified election-related violence.
As of Oct. 20, two areas are under Comelec control including Negros Oriental and Libon, Albay, while 361 barangays are under the red category (grave concern), with most areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (PNA)
