The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in Northern Mindanao has condemned the fatal ambush of an acting election officer in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte.
The victim, Mark Orlando Vallecer, 51, was traveling to Cagayan de Oro when two men on a motorcycle ambushed him in Curva Miagao, Salvador. Vallecer, a resident of Barangay Patag in Cagayan de Oro, was serving as Election Officer II.
Vallecer was declared dead on arrival at Bontilao Hospital in Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the motive and identify the perpetrators.
COMELEC-10 Regional Director Atty. Renato Magbutay expressed outrage, urging authorities to expedite justice for Vallecer’s murder. “This senseless killing will not deter us from upholding the sanctity of elections,” Magbutay said.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of election officials, especially amid heightened tensions in areas with ongoing political rivalries.
Vallecer’s ambush marks a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those safeguarding democracy, with COMELEC vowing to seek justice for their fallen colleague.
