Another elected official has succumbed to murder due to intense political rivalry. The latest victim Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was serving a new mandate after an intense legal battle at the courts and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). A nuisance candidate and his namesake ran as governor in last year’s election along with Pryde Henry Teves the older brother of former Representative Arnolfo Teves. Degamo took over the leadership of the province after COMELEC nullified the proclamation of Teves.

Prior the death of Degamo, on February 19, 2023, Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda was killed in an ambush along with five other persons while inside his parked vehicle outside a school. The suspects remain at large.

In July last year, Former Lamitan City, Basilan mayor Rose Furigay was shot to death along with two others while inside Ateneo de Manila University by Dr. Chao Tiao Yumol.

In August 11, 2022, former Lobo, Batangas mayor Romeo Sulit was delivering a speech in a birthday party was shot to death by a lone gunman who approached him and fired.

In October 3, 2022, former Dipaculao, Aurora vice mayor Narciso Amansec was ambushed along with two others by still unidentified gunmen.

Four days after, former Calbiga, Samar mayor Miguel Abaigar Jr. was shot to death while on board his bicycle by a motorcycle-riding suspect.

There were also elected officials who survived attacks. Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. and Mayor Ohto Montawal of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao were ambushed separately last month. Both survived the assassination attempts.

During the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, 10 mayors and 18 vice mayors were killed. The difference this time, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not made any insensitive statements that favors the murder of an elected official.

While such brutal and senseless killings and attempts deserve immediate resolution to extract justice for the victims and their families, it is by no means a simple police matter but a reflection of a deplorable state of political maturity. Filipinos in general are easily swayed by money during elections. Thus giving these crooks and warlords a chance to assume power. Then when somebody challenges or even manifest an opposition, these crooks will use their position to instigate fear or at most murder.

Sadly, it’s the same voters who easily complain and question why these crooks are still in power.