A town councilor in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was shot dead on July 16, the first day of a gun ban enacted for the upcoming elections.
Nasser A. Dalandang, 37, was attacked in Midsayap, Cotabato, while waiting in his vehicle for his wife at a pharmacy.
Police reported that two gunmen on a motorcycle approached and shot him at close range before fleeing the scene.
Dalandang was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, highlighting the urgent need for improved security measures in the region.
Midsayap Municipal Police
This tragic incident follows the declaration of a gun ban aimed at preventing election-related violence ahead of the BARMM parliamentary elections scheduled for September 14.
Context of Election Violence in BARMM
The BARMM has a history of electoral violence, which authorities are striving to curb. The gun ban is part of a broader effort to ensure peaceful elections, especially given the region's complex socio-political landscape.
- Gun ban implemented to prevent violence during elections.
- Previous elections in BARMM have seen heightened tensions and violence.
As police continue their investigation, the search for the perpetrators remains a priority. The motive for the attack is still under scrutiny.
Midsayap, although not part of BARMM, borders the town of Kadayangan, where Dalandang served as councilor.