3 dead, 3 injured on election campaign related violence in Cotabato City

 By: Mark Navales 

(Posted by beckydeasis-theredlinewseditor)

Cotabato City-- At least three people were killed, scores 3 wounded, and a dozen individuals were taken by police after violence between two political aspirants erupted Monday night in the Southern Philippine in the City of Cotabato.

 Election violence is nothing new in the Philippines wherein politician's rivalry still the main source of some incidents every campaign period more particular in some identified far-flung provinces in the country.

 The Barangay elections in the country will set on October 30. Lately Former President Rodrigo Duterte postponed the said aBrangay elections last year, citing the possibilities that drug traffickers or Drug Lords could be funded the election campaign of some candidates here.

 Colonel Querubin Manalang Jr.City Police Chief, told reporters that victims were identified as Nur-Moqtadin Butucan, Alfar Singh Ayunan Pasawiran, 21, and Mawie Kaunutan  at the barangay of Rosary Heights 12 shortly after 9:00 p.m. while hanging campaign posters and they suddenly attacked to death by unknown suspects as of press time.

Police added, the victims with their supporters will retaliate and returned gunfire against the perpetrators but they were outnumbered which resulted the death of Three (3) and leaving three others injured.

During the incidents, the police immediately conducted hot pursuit and clearing operations which resulted the captured of 12 suspects,” Manalang said.

Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao also added that he was vehemently surprised and got mad the incidents because he don't want of his peaceful, progressive and democratic city may disturb this kind of violence and put the city into a bad light.

Mayor added, “those who responsible of this tragic shooting incidents must know their responsibilities and actions because our authorities will give them an immediate legal actions and justice may serve. 

 On the other hand: A New York-based security risk and management agency reported hours before the shooting about 18 incidents of election-related violence have been recorded since October 20.

The firm advised foreigners residing in the Philippines to avoid rallies, party offices, polling stations, and Counting Centers, as a precaution.

“If clashes erupted nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a safe non-governmental building immediately," Crisis24 said in their advisory released on October 23.

 In 2018 village polls, police have recorded 25 people dead and 27 wounded in 47 recorded cases of violence.

Just over the weekend, 500 military personnel arrived in Maguindanao to help and maintain the peace and security Situitions upon holding the incoming Barangay-SK election.

Major General Alex Rillera of 6th Infantry Division Commander in Central Mindanao, emphasized that the deployment was a strategic movement to ensure the peaceful, secured to conduct of the incoming elections.

"This pro-active stance is aimed at safeguarding the electoral process, demonstrating the commitment of the government to upholding democracy and maintaining peace and order situitions of there area of responsibilities” Rillera said.

“This collaborative effort of the military, police, and other security forces signifies the government's unwavering dedication to ensuring a safe and fair electoral process," he added.

Meanwhile, Police said there are 35 incidents recorder of election related violence to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections have been recorded in the country as of press-time said national police spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo.

Last August 28, an incumbent village Chief of Albay, Alex Repato, who was seeking re-election, was shot by unknown perpetrators after filling his certificate of candidacy at the office of the Commission on Election.

Days before that, village chairperson candidate Haron Dimalanis was shot to death also by two men in front of the town hall in Midsayap North Cotabato on August 20.

Last month, a village chieftain seeking re-election and a former Councilor were attacked and shot in hiscar in Zamboanga on September 3, While in Taal, Batangas last September 6 another re-electionist, Erasmo Hernandez, was gunned down.

“These cases manifest the rising numbers of election-related violence as the 2023 barangay and SK elections approach,” the Commission on Human Rights also said

“Continued occurrences of violence against electoral candidates undermines the electoral process and negatively impacts our democracy. The culture of fear it creates can impair the people's right to make free and empowered decisions,” the human rights body added.

Last year 2022, Authorities disbanded about 20 private armed groups working for politicians over concerns about potential poll-related violence.

Most of the disbanded armed groups were from an Autonomous Muslim region in the South, wherein of some members of gun-for-hire organizations are links to militant.

Accordingly, there were certain groups in the country that engaged a gun running business and it was known a long- culture businesses of some feuding clans in some tribal areas – rival political dynasties and among others.

 In 2016 general election, there were 50 people died more or less in election related violence recorded according to police statistics. Three years later, during the 2019 midterm election, 23 people were killed and 50 injured. (Mark Navales)