Commission on Human Rights INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched its own investigation into the killings of a municipal councilor and an indigenous people leader in Maguindanao del Sur last September.
鈥淭he Commission raises the alarm in light of the continued spate of violence in recent months, particularly against local officials and, most recently, an indigenous leader,鈥� CHR said in a statement on Friday.
Buluan Councilor Mohammad Usman Alamada was shot dead in front of a roadside restaurant by gunmen on a motorbike on the afternoon of September 17.
READ: Maguindanao del Sur town councilor slain in gun attack
In a separate incident later that evening, Teduray people leader Elvin Moires was gunned down after attending a tribal wedding ceremony. He was also a village councilman in Barangay Bongo, South Upi, in Maguindanao del Sur.
READ: Teduray leader slain in Maguindanao del Sur
The CHR added, 鈥淲ith the upcoming elections, it is crucial that every Filipino feels safe and secure in participating in political activities without fear of violence. A truly democratic nation ensures that its citizens can participate freely in political affairs.鈥�