The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) decries the attempted ambush against Bulacan Vice Mayor John Bong Alvarez last 04 June 2024. Reports point out that an unidentified riding-in-tandem tailed the convoy of Vice Mayor Alvarez from his residence and tossed a grenade into the direction of his vehicle. When the first grenade failed to detonate, a second one was thrown but was also unsuccessful.

While authorities are currently addressing the matter, the Vice Mayor mentions the possibility that the grenade attack was election-related, as he has recently announced his candidacy for the 2025 midterm polls. He also pointed out that an attempted ambush was also carried out in 2012, which led to the death of two people from his staff.

The Commission has launched an independent investigation to determine the truth behind the incident.

As an independent national human rights institution, we sound the alarm on the prevalence of violence in the country. Continued occurrences of violence against officials undermines the effective delivery of public service to their respective constituents.

This becomes more pertinent as the 2025 midterm elections approach, where these acts further impair the voters’ right to make free and empowered decisions during the polls. Allowing a climate of fear to grow amongst constituents can only negatively impact the electoral process. For a democratic country to thrive, we must ensure that the credibility of elections is preserved.

The CHR will remain vigilant on similar incidents of violence. We also call on the government and local authorities to put preventive mechanisms in place to prevent similar acts of attacks against public officials. As primary duty-bearers, it is incumbent upon all of us to foster an environment where every Filipino, including public officials, can live in a safe and peaceful society.###