BAGUIO CITY — Members of the Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance (CCAGG) in a statement condemned the recent wave of killings and shootings in the province.
"These brutal acts not only claim innocent lives but also sow seeds of fear, brazenly undermining the safety and security of peace-loving Abrenians," the group stressed. CCAGG expressed concern about the violence despite the election gun ban imposed under Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 11067.
The group described this as clearly showing the failure of authorities to implement it effectively. They said that the fact these crimes continue despite the signing of a peace covenant between the candidates underscores the stark irony at hand.
"Our participation in the Peace Covenant and Interfaith Rally for Peace has lost its essence. Killings, harassment, intimidation, vote-buying, and vote-selling continue. Such blatant disregard for peace and security measures calls into question law enforcement’s capability and commitment to upholding the rule of law and falls short of the citizens’ high expectations of maintaining public safety and order," stated the group.
The group said that in the face of these tragic events, however, the people of Abra refuse to be held captive by fear and helplessness. They said the Abrenians deserve a province where peace and order prevail, where the law is enforced without exception, where fundamental rights are fully protected, and where perpetrators are brought to justice.
The group urged the Philippine National Police (PNP), COMELEC, the Local Government of Abra, and relevant authorities at all levels to act swiftly and decisively.
"We demand a thorough and impartial investigation of these crimes, along with the immediate implementation of concrete actions to prevent further bloodshed. We recommend placing Abra under COMELEC control during this election period. We appeal to candidates to respect the rights of citizens to choose freely the best leaders to represent them in government, and not to exploit their poverty conditions by buying their votes and dignity," the statement continued.