Violence continues to escalate across Mindanao in the lead-up to the May 12 midterm elections. Local officials and political operatives among those targeted in a string of deadly ambushes and attacks, reports gathered by the Inquirer show.
Despite the Commission on Electionsโ (Comelec) gun ban and the deployment of additional security forces, politically motivated violence remains rampant, particularly in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, and Zamboanga del Sur.
Village chief gunned down in Lanao del Sur ambush
In Lanao del Sur, Binhar Jalambre Alon Hawad, 25, village chief of Bara-as in Picong town, was killed in an ambush Wednesday morning, April 9, in Barangay Montay, Malabang.
Police said Hawad and his companion, 20-year-old Norhan Comilao Sarip, were en route to a graduation ceremony in Barangay Bacayawan when their Toyota Fortuner was fired upon by five unidentified gunmen. Hawad, who was driving, died at a local hospital. Sarip was injured in the attack.
Political coordinator abducted, killed in Maguindanao del Sur
In President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, a political coordinator of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) was found dead in a wetland in nearby Pandag town, Maguindanao del Sur, on Tuesday, April 8.
Modesto Tamayo, 57, was reportedly abducted from his home Monday evening by armed men. His body bore multiple stab wounds, according to police.
Tamayo had been coordinating the campaign of vice mayoral candidate Marlon Villa, who confirmed the abduction and said his campaign team was deeply shaken by the killing.
Councilor candidate, two others hurt in Zamboanga del Sur shooting
In Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur, village chief Falconeri Buton, who is running for municipal councilor, and two of his companions were wounded in an ambush Tuesday night, April 8, in Barangay Upper Panikian.
Local disaster officer Richard Aliserat said the group had just left a political rally in Barangay Poblacion when they were attacked. Police believe the gunmen, armed with M14 and M16 rifles, lay in wait along a dimly lit roadside and opened fire as the victimsโ vehicle passed.
Civilians also caught in the crossfire
Authorities noted that even civilians have not been spared from the violence.
On April 5, a nurse was shot and wounded on her way home from the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center in Cotabato City.
A day earlier, two 23-year-old students were killed in an ambush in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan town, Maguindanao del Sur, according to local police chief Lt. Argie Eyana.
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Persistent violence despite security deployment
Authorities deployed government troopsโincluding units from the Marines, Philippine Army, and Special Action Force of the Philippine National Policeโacross the region amid the deteriorating security situation.
However, the presence of security forces has yet to deter gunmen from launching attacks, particularly in politically contested areas.
Authorities continue to investigate the incidents. They are urging candidates to report threats and avoid campaign activities in high-risk areas without police coordination.
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