CHR slams killing of Ilocos Sur teen, says independent probe to be conducted

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday condemned the killing of a 15-year-old girl who earlier filed an acts of lasciviousness complaint against a cop in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

"This experience again puts into light the vulnerability of women and children to gender-based violences, especially during the pandemic. Many of stories remain unreported until we hear their horrors of struggle out in the open," CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.

According to De Guia, the CHR's office in Region I will conduct an independent probe on the incident.

De Guia said the CHR has recognized the Philippine National Police's swift action on the incident as PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa already directed the Internal Affairs Service to immediately dismiss from service the accused cops.

Murder complaints have already been filed against Police Staff Sergeants Randy Ramos and Marawi Torda, the police organization noted.

"We hold on to our police force’s commitment to 'serve and protect' our rights and, if needed, ensure accountability for the indignities committed even if the perpetrators are among their ranks," De Guia said.

De Guia said the PNP Women and Children Protection Center has recorded a total of 804 gender-based violence and violence against women and children from March 15 to April 30 of this year. She said the number of cases could be higher than what was listed by the police.

The CHR then reiterated its call to all concerned agencies to ensure the safety and protection of women and children in full compliance with international and domestic laws and standards.

"Primarily, proactive women and child protection measures and services must remain operational and strengthened during this period of heightened vulnerability. We hope to see a stop in the incidences of gender-based violence," she said.

She vowed that CHR would continue to be on guard against human rights abuses, especially from those who are supposed to respect and protect people's rights. — RSJ, GMA News