The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) decries the brazen ambush of Ponciano Onia, president of the Abono Partylist, which advocates for Filipino farmers in the Congress. Onia, also an incumbent municipal councilor of Umingan town, Pangasinan was ruthlessly attacked and showered with bullets while he was driving home on 07 December 2024.

The CHR acknowledges that while local authorities are still investigating the incident, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has opened the possibility of a politically-motivated killing. Notably, Onia was seeking re-election in the 2025 midterm polls.

As part of its mandate, the Commission has also dispatched a Quick Response Operation (QRO) to conduct its independent investigation.

We express deep concern over the persistent violence targeting public officials as the 2025 midterm elections approach. We take this opportunity to reiterate our stance: any act of violence undermines the collective goal of building safer and more peaceful communities.

The gravity of such incidents cannot be overstated, as they also cultivate a culture of fear within communities, discouraging constituents from participating in political activities out of concern for their safety. It is also essential that we safeguard those who dedicate themselves to becoming local leaders, so we may ensure an effective delivery of public services to Filipinos.

It is high time that we address these crimes before they bring heavier implications to our democratic processes. Filipinos should not live in fear, nor should they become desensitized to attacks and killings. Violence has no place in our society.###