The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, June 10, 2022, condemned the killing of its election officer (EO) in Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte, as well as the injuring of an election assistant more than a month after the May 2022 polls.In a separate statement, the Comelec -Employees Union (EU) similarly condemned the killing of EO Engr. Maricel Peralta and the wounding of Election Assistant Maricel Inding as they were on their way home on Thursday.”The Comelec condemns the brutal slaying of Engineer Maricel Peralta, Election Officer of Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte,” said acting Comelec Chairperson Socorro Inting.”The Comelec-EU vehemently condemns the killing of Mutia, Zambanga del Norte Election Officer Maricel Adritico Peralta by unidentified gunmen,” said Comelec-EU President Mac Ramirez.On Thursday, Peralta was killed while Inding was seriously injured after a motorcycle-riding assailant opened fire on their vehicle in Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.Peralta died immediately while Inding is currently being treated at a hospital.The poll body and its employees’ union, then, asked authorities to bring the assailants to justice.”We are already in communication with the PNP and we assure the public — and Maricel’s loved ones – that the Comelec will not rest until justice is served,” said Inting.”We call on the authorities to leave no stones unturned in their investigation and to do everything in their power to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Ramirez.The Comelec-EU, then, asked all poll employees nationwide to wear black tomorrow, June 11, to dramatize their collective call for justice. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)