THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) vehemently condemned the twin killings of two poll officials in Mindanao, describing it as an “assault on democracy itself.”
In a strongly worded statement, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they condemn “in the strongest terms” the brutal killing of Mark Orlando Vallecer II, acting election officer of Nunungan, Lanao del Norte; and Janeco Allan Dionaldo Pandoy, assistant election officer of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
“These ruthless attacks on public servants, who are simply fulfilling their duties, are direct assaults on the integrity of our democratic institutions,” said Garcia.
“Violence has no place in a democratic society. Such acts spread fear, disrupt the electoral process, and undermine the values of justice and freedom that bind us as a nation,” he added.
Last Saturday, Pandoy was riding his motorcycle when he was shot dead by two gunmen in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat.
Last Monday, Vallecer was killed by two gunmen riding in tandem while the former was driving his car in Salvador, Lanao del Norte.
Garcia said the Comelec is mourning the loss of their colleagues.
“We are extending our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones during this painful time,” he said.
The Commission said it will remain steadfast in its mission to uphold free, fair, and peaceful elections.
“Violence will not deter us, and those who seek to harm democracy will face the full force of justice,” said Garcia.
Proof of this, he said, is that the poll body is now in close coordination with law enforcement agencies for the speedy resolution of the cases.
“The Comelec is committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of these heinous acts are swiftly identified and brought to justice,” said Garcia.
Asked if the killings are related to their work, the poll chief said an investigation is ongoing.
“Once a Comelec personnel is wounded, injured, killed, for us, it will always be election-related. Even if there are personal reasons, we cannot take away the fact that they are election officers of the Comelec,” Garcia said.
“For the Commission, those are election-related so we must look into the violent act possibly being related to the performance of their duties,” added Garcia.
