A Catholic bishop decried the killing of a reelectionist Negros Oriental board member and called on midterm-

poll bets to denounce all sorts of violence.

Unidentified gunmen killed board member Michael Dungog, president of the province’s Councilor’s League,
in Dumaguete City on March 25.

The victim was reportedly shot in the head while walking towards the Siliman University Medical Center from
his parked car.

Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumaguete aired a radio message on Thursday, expressing closeness and concern
to the family left behind by Dungog.

While authorities cannot yet confirm that the killing was politically motivated, he appealed to candidates to
avoid the “culture of violence”.

“The threat of death towards one’s opponent should never be an instrument in any political campaign,”
Cortes said over Church-run radio Radyo Bandilyo.

“Let your political platform be your means of attracting voters, not your guns, nor your gold,” he said.

The bishop also appealed to the people to vote their conscience.

“Search your conscience as you think of your candidates you shall vote for in the coming elections,” Cortes
said.

He particularly urged voters to support candidates who are for peace, not linked with corruption, and respect
the value and dignity of life.