A poll officer survived an ambush in Zamboanga City, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia said on Saturday.

In a message to reporters, Garcia said that while provincial election supervisor (PES) Vidzfar Julie survived the armed attack, his sibling died.

Garcia said they were inside the car when they were attacked by still unidentified suspects.

The Comelec chief shared a screenshot of Julie’s Facebook post, which reads: “Mga duag kong matapang kayo ma pakilala kayo kong sino kayo para walang madamay ibang tao, buhay pa ako mga duag (You’re all cowards. If you’re brave, show yourselves. Who are you to involve other people here, I am still alive, cowards).”

Garcia likewise condemned the “treacherous act of violence against our people.”

“What is more gruesome and unforgivable is when a loved one is caught in the crossfire so to speak,” he said.

“We are not yet prepared to cry hopelessness but a call for immediate action from authorities is strongly demanded,” he added.

In November, a poll officer in Lanao del Norte was also killed in an ambush in an apparent poll-related incident.