Comelec chief George Garcia (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has demanded “concrete action” from law enforcement authorities to bring to justice the killers of one of its election officers in Maguindanao del Sur province.
Haviv Maindan, municipal election officer of Sultan sa Barongis (not Sultan sa Borongis as earlier reported), was killed in an ambush on Monday afternoon while he and a companion were traveling along the national highway in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat province.
“The Comelec strongly condemns such an abhorrent act which we believe contributes to [incidents of intimidation] threatening to weaken our people’s right to suffrage,” said Comelec Chair George Garcia on Tuesday.
“We will not take this sitting down. The Commission is working closely with the proper authorities for the immediate resolution of this case … We demand concrete action,” he added.
Police said Maindan was driving his Toyota Fortuner on his way home to Lambayong from his office in the neighboring Sultan sa Barongis when he was attacked at 2 p.m. in Barangay Pinguiaman by two men on a motorcycle. Maindan died instantly.
Reports said the election officer’s companion, Rolly Dilangalen, was unhurt.Maindan, 55, had been with the Comelec for 15 years. He left behind his wife and four children, all of whom are still in school, with the eldest in college and the youngest in elementary school.
Support
“We have spoken to EO (election officer) Maindan’s wife to guarantee that we are one with her in the pursuit of justice through every legal means available and assured her that all other kinds of support will be afforded to her and their four children,” Garcia said.
Sultan sa Barongis Mayor Allandatu Angas described the election official as a “dedicated [public] servant.”
The police and the local government have yet to determine the motive behind the killing.