A Year after the Maguindanao Massacre, Political Killings still continue
A Year after the Maguindanao Massacre, Political Killings still continue
Kaya Natin! condemns killing of newly-elected Brgy. Captain Alfredo Salvador
We, the leaders of the Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership strongly condemn the recent killing of newly elected Brgy. Captain Alfredo Salvador of Baranggay Bagong Sikat, Alicia, Isabela. Last November 18, Salvador and his mother were on their way home from the public market when they were ambushed by gunmen on motorcyles.
We believe that this incident is politically motivated since Salvador recently won over the highly favored incumbent Brgy. Captain. Salvador is known in his community as an honest, upright and good man who won without resorting to any form of vote-buying or electoral fraud. Moreover, as the election for Alicia’s Association of Baranggay Captains (ABC) President nears, we highly suspect that this is a means to instill fear and intimidate local leaders who are not considered to be allies of those in power.
We call on the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately work towards catching the perpetuators of this detestable crime and give justice to the family of Brgy. Captain Alfredo Salvador. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that a political killing such as this has occurred in Isabela in recent times. Last year, Michael Valdez, provincial supervisor of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) was shot dead and last month, former Sangguniang Bayan member Abi Salazar of Palanan, Isabela was also shot dead as he was considered to be a shoo-in for baranggay captain in his baranggay. These two cases remain unresolved up to now. Thus, we also strongly urge PNP Isabela Provincial Director Jimmy Rivera to immediately hunt down the perpetuators of these heinous crimes and bring them to justice.
Finally, as we commemorate the first anniversary of the tragic Maguindanao Massacre, we fear that if the perpetuators of these crimes remain unpunished, this may lead to a culture of impunity and lawlessness in Isabela similar to what had transpired in Maguindanao. We strongly believe that unless these political killings are immediately resolved and criminals are brought to justice, the attainment of good governance in our country will never be achieved. If the present administration is truly serious about bringing our country “sa matuwid na daan”, its leaders will seriously work towards ensuring equal justice and protection to every Filipino regardless of social status and political affiliation.
Signed:
Hon. Grace Padaca, former Governor, Isabela
Hon. Cecilia “Jeng” Reyes, Mayor, Alicia, Isabela
Hon. Teofisto Guingona III, Senator
Hon. Eddie Panlilio, former Governor, Pampanga
Hon. Sonia Lorenzo, former Mayor, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija
Hon. Jorge “Bolet” Banal, Jr., Representative, Quezon City
Hon. Teddy Baguilat, Jr., Representative, Ifugao
Hon. Kaka Bag-ao, Representative, AKBAYAN
Hon. Neric Acosta, former Representative, Bukidnon
Hon. Fermin Mabulo, former Mayor, San Fernando, Camarines Sur
Hon. Florante Gerdan, former Mayor, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya
Hon. Janaree Disomimba, former Mayor, Tamparan, Lanao del Sur
Hon. Mary Jane Ortega, former Mayor, San Fernando, La Union
Hon. Roque Verzosa, Jr., Mayor, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur
Hon. Shirlyn Macasarte, Board Member, North Cotabato
Hon. Valente Yap, Mayor, Bindoy, Negros Oriental
Hon. Gloria Congco, Mayor, Cabiao, Nueva Ecija
Hon. Marivic Belena, Mayor, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija
Hon. Mabel Sunga-Acosta, former Councilor, Davao City
Hon. Francis Tinio, former Councilor, Binalonan, Pangasinan
Hon. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, former Councilor, Bacolod City
