Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday condemned the killing of Ang Bumbero ng Pilipinas (ABP) party-list nominee Leninsky Bacud, who was shot dead in Manila on Monday night. "We condemn to the strongest possible terms these killings as it is the ballots that should reign in a democracy, not bullets," Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an interview. "Let us respect life. No one should lose their life just because of the elections," he added.

According to Philippines News Agency, police reported that Bacud was shot multiple times by unidentified gunmen along P. Guevarra Street in Sampaloc, Manila. Garcia stated that Comelec had received information about an internal dispute within the ABP party-list, noting two sets of nominees were filed by the group for the May 12 midterm elections. "This is just a reality that the said party-list is dealing with, an intra-party dispute, that is being heard by the Comelec," said Garcia.

On the other hand, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna vowed that no stone would be left unturned as she also condemned the killing of Bacud, a former chairman of Barangay 435, Zone 44 in Sampaloc. "I assure the Bacud family and all Manile±os that we will do everything in our power to bring all those responsible to justice. They will answer for the violent death of Leninsky Bacud," Lacuna said in a statement.

Lacuna directed Manila Police District director Brig. Gen. Benigno Guzman to mobilize all available resources and lead a thorough, impartial, and relentless investigation into the killing and ensure that every angle is pursued. She also requested the MPD to ensure the safety of Bacud's family, as well as any possible witnesses to the crime.