Suspects in killing of poll officer, husband charged

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

DAVAO CITY — Double murder charges were filed against the suspects in the brutal killing of a municipal election officer and her husband, who were killed on March 26, 2025, in Barangay Makir, Datu Odin Sinsuat, in Maguindanao del Norte.

The family of Bai Maceda Lidasan and her husband, Datu Jojo Abo, filed the charges on Tuesday afternoon, April 15, at the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Prosecutor's Office against the couple Gina Bano and Amin Salik.

Bano is a principal of Sarilikha Elementary School in Semba in the municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat, while Salik is a UBJP campaign manager of Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality.

The family said it condemns in the strongest possible terms this heinous and cowardly act, made even more reprehensible by its commission during the sacred Holy Month of Ramadan, supposedly a time of peace, reflection and devotion.

"This brutal crime has not only stolen from us two beloved family members but has also sown terror in our community, striking at the very heart of our values of justice and democracy," said lawyer Mussolini Lidasan-Sinsuat.

Lidasan, a municipal election officer of Datu Odin Sinsuat, was a fearless advocate for peaceful, honest and fair elections, a commitment she upheld with unwavering dedication.

"Their murders bear the hallmarks of a politically motivated attack, directly linked to Bai Maceda's courageous work in safeguarding the integrity of our electoral process," said Sinsuat.

The victims' family urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Law Department to look into the potential instances of election-related violence.

This includes thoroughly examining any incidents that threaten the integrity of the electoral process and holding those accountable to the full extent of existing election laws.

"Such acts are not merely criminal offenses; they represent a direct assault on the Constitutional institution, undermining the democratic foundations of our society. Therefore, it is imperative that these transgressions are met with a rigorous pursuit of justice and an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law," said Lidasan-Sinsuat.

The family also called on the Department of Justice to expedite the legal proceedings and ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.

The Philippine National Police has also been urged to secure all witnesses, protect the families of the victims, and guarantee that the rule of law prevails.

"We demand justice for Bai Maceda and Datu Jojo. Their killers must be held accountable. We call on the authorities to act swiftly, protect those who have come forward as witnesses, and ensure that no effort is spared in delivering justice," said one of the siblings of Bai Maceda Lidasan.

The public and media are also encouraged to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time while remaining steadfast in their fight for truth and justice.