CHR condemns mayor's fatal shooting, urges strict election gun ban enforcement

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of reelectionist Mayor Joel Ruma of Rizal, Cagayan, along with injuries sustained by an aide and a resident on April 23.

Following this incident, CHR is urging strict enforcement of the election gun ban and stronger security protocols for campaign activities to address escalating election-related violence.

The CHR's regional office in Region II is conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting, while PNP Region II continues its search operation for the perpetrator who remains at large.

CHR emphasized that all forms of violence are unjustifiable and threaten democratic rights, particularly the right to life, and called for proactive measures such as strict enforcement of the election gun ban and comprehensive security protocols.

The commission also acknowledged local authorities' swift response to the Rizal incident and underscored the importance of holding perpetrators accountable while addressing the root causes of political violence.

CHR further called on all sectors to foster a safe and inclusive democratic environment, stressing that safeguarding the sanctity of elections is a shared duty requiring vigilance, resolve, and solidarity.