Maguindanao del Sur poll exec gunned down

MANILA, Philippines — An election officer in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur was killed in a gun attack in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat on Monday.

Havid Maidan and his companion Rolly Dilangalen were in a Toyota Fortuner when the gunmen approached and shot them along the highway in Purok Libis in Barangay Pinguiaman.

Maidan suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Dilangalen was unhurt.

The vehicle fell into a roadside swamp when Maidan lost control of the wheel after he was shot.

Probers remain clueless on the perpetrators and the motive for the killing.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia condemned the killing of Maidan even as he vowed to run after the killers and bring justice to the family of the victim.

“We will not take this sitting down. The commission is working closely with authorities for the immediate resolution of this case. The barbaric perpetrators of the brutal act that took the life of one of our own will never be tolerated under my watch,” Garcia said.

He said he assured Maidan’s wife that the Comelec would pursue justice and support her and their four children.

“We, at the Comelec, always bear this commitment in our hearts and minds. Para sa bayan. Victory or defeat in the polls is not ours to decide, but is the people’s will. We demand concrete action,” Garcia added.

He reminded candidates in previous elections and those who intend to seek elective posts in the future that election officers are mandated to do their best to implement election laws.

Maidan served the Comelec for 15 years.