Bloodstained election season: the unstoppable election-related killings

By: Jeremiah Monreal

Hired killers? Cerebral assassins? Political rivalries?

Following the death of several politicians including the congressmen, city and municipality mayors and vice mayors, councilors, and even board members, the history of Philippine election-related violence describes the morbidity of those “payed-killers” who only wants to shut down government officials.

Proving that their is “political strife” between big and small names under politics, authorities must start investigating and retrieving pieces of evidence to have a fierce stand in support the citizens’ request to end those killings.

From the assassination of Tanauan city Mayor Antonio Halili down to the gunshots that killed Ako-Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe, the administration must pull up a fight against the “dark-minded” politicians. They must seek the independent law that will provide fair and tough punishment for the suspects and the masterminds as well for the safety of the good-willed politicians and also the candidates.

It is alarming to know that one wouldn’t have the chance to be seated because someone will bring his feet straight down to the casket.

Several investigations about the election-related killings marked numerous hotspots around Luzon. Regions 3, 4-A and B, 5, and the National Capital Region (NCR) have been bannered for the awareness of government officials and their families as well.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) already recalled the escorts for the politicians headed by the Police Security and Protection Group or the PSPG. It is a monitored program of PNP for the safety of the councilors up to the senators aiming for their respective spots.

Still, we can’t be confident that our leaders will be safe from surprise executions and killings. We will set our trust to the authorities guarding not just the lives of the officials but also the lives of the innocent Filipinos.