The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) has condemned the recent attacks against elected local government officials, calling for the speedy administration of justice for the victims.
“It is deeply concerning and reprehensible that an individual or a group would attempt to harm an elected representative of the people who has a duty to serve and protect the community. Such an act goes against democracy, rule of law, and basic human decency,” ULAP said in a statement on Monday.
“Violence and intimidation have no place in a civilized society and any attempt to use force to silence or harm public officials is a threat to the safety and security of all citizens,” they added.
On Sunday, Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda of Aparri, Cagayan and five of his companions were ambushed and killed by unidentified men allegedly clad in police uniforms and riding in a government car in Bagabag town in Nueva Vizcaya.
It happened three days after an assassination attempt on Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. resulted in the death of his escorts identified as Juraij Adiong, Aga Sumandar, Jalil Cosain, and a certain Kobi when they were ambushed in Maguing town, Lanao del Sur province on Feb. 17. Gov. Adiong and a member of his staff survived the attack but sustained injuries.
ULAP called on authorities to “utilize all legal means available to pursue and bring the perpetrators to the scales of Lady Justice.”
“Such a remorseless act of violence is abominable and must not be perpetuated. We must stand together to condemn such acts and support efforts to ensure the safety of our public officials and the people they serve,” it added.
ULAP president and Quirino Governor Dax Cua denounced the crimes, saying these have no place in a democratic country.
He also urged the government to swiftly act to apprehend the perpetrators to reassure the public that the rule of law continues to apply in the country.
“These acts of impunity have no place in a democracy. Kailangan ang agarang aksyon ng pamahalaan upang mapanatag ang loob ng ating mga kababayan na nananaig ang batas sa ating lipunan (Immediate action from the government is needed to assure our countrymen that the rule of law still prevails in our society),” Cua said.
He added that ULAP would conduct a dialogue with its members and the national government “so that these crimes can be avoided in the future.” (PNA)
Photo credit: Facebook/cagayanpoliceprovincialoffice
