FORMER House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate has strongly condemned the rise in election-related violence, following the ambush slaying of election officer Atty. Maceda Lidasan Abo and her husband, Jojo Abo, along the Cotabato-Shariff Aguak Road in Barangay Makir.
The couple was fatally shot on Wednesday, March 26, while traveling along the national highway. Initial police reports indicate that unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle, killing them instantly.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack, though it has heightened fears of escalating violence ahead of the upcoming elections.
“The brutal murder of Atty. Abo and her husband is a horrifying and unacceptable attack on the very foundations of our democratic institutions,” Zarate said.
The attack comes amid a string of violent incidents targeting local officials and election officers in Maguindanao. These include the recent shooting of Datu Piang Vice Mayor Omar Samama, the ambush killing of Atty. Junisa Kimamao, and the attack on Atty. Ibrahim Pendatu.
“This paints a grim picture: these are not isolated incidents; they are a clear and present danger to the integrity of the upcoming elections,” Zarate said.
He called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and law enforcement agencies to take urgent action to protect election personnel, candidates, and voters.
“The Comelec must act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safety and security of election officers, candidates, and voters,” Zarate said. “We cannot allow these acts of violence to undermine the people's right to a free, orderly, honest, and fair election.”
He urged authorities to conduct thorough and impartial investigations to hold the perpetrators accountable and to implement enhanced security measures at polling stations.
“The people of Mindanao, and the entire Filipino nation, deserve elections free from violence and intimidation,” he said.
Law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt for the suspects in the Abo killing, while Comelec has yet to issue a statement on the growing violence in Maguindanao.
