EDITORIAL - Murder as a political tool

The mayor of Trece Martires has been charged for the murder of his vice mayor. Melandres de Sagun left for the United States on Sept. 6, but he reportedly plans to clear his name. Police filed charges of murder and frustrated murder against De Sagun and four others for the fatal shooting of Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan last July 7 in the city. The alleged gunman, identified as Ariel Paiton, is a member of the security unit of the Trece Martires city hall.

The mayor and vice mayor were political allies, but according to some reports, Lubigan was assassinated just days after he disclosed plans to run for mayor. De Sagun’s wife reportedly plans to seek the post to be vacated by her husband.

If the accusations are accurate, the case should put authorities on notice that efforts must be intensified to curb political violence in this country. Especially with the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2019 midterm elections set next month.

Most people may dismiss political violence as personal feuds, and there are those who think the country is a better place when politicians kill each other. Using murder to eliminate political rivals, however, weakens the democratic process. During elections, murder is the ultimate form of cheating and undermines voters’ will.

Feuding between political rivals can also cause serious collateral damage. In November 2009, 32 media workers were among the 58 people massacred together with relatives of Esmael Mangudadatu on orders allegedly of the Ampatuan clan. Mangudadatu had planned to challenge the Ampatuans’ stranglehold on Maguindanao politics and had sent his wife and other relatives to file his certificate of candidacy, accompanied by journalists.

During election season, a murder toll of about 80 is considered normal in this country. This is despite the identification of election hotspots that are supposed to be kept under close watch by security forces to prevent violence. Previous elections have shown that more can be done along this line. Guarding the people’s vote includes preventing politicians from murdering their rivals. Peaceful and orderly elections must become reality.