CHR calls for probe into killings of Bukidnon lawyer, Davao barangay chair, among others

The Commission on Human Rights on Friday condemned recent killings in the country and called for an immediate investigation into the incidents.

"The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns and calls for immediate investigation of the recent killing incidents in the country, including the assassination of a lawyer in Bukidnon and a barangay captain in  Davao Occidental; shooting of a police officer in Cabuyao City, three soldiers and one civilian in Lanao del Norte; and the killing of two newly freed prisoners in Quiapo, Manila," CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.

"The victims were all gunned down in broad daylight by still unidentified assailants," she added.

Atty. Winston Intong of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon was shown on CCTV shot to death on Thursday by unidentified suspects on board a motorcycle.

Barangay Captain Alex Abe of Barangay Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Davao Occidental was gunned down in his own home on Monday, the Philippine Information Agency said.

Meanwhile, Police Staff Sergeant Christian Ramos was shot dead in Cabuyao City in Laguna on Thursday, reports said.

Three soldiers stationed at the Tangclao Detachment, Poona Piagapo and one civilian were also killed on Thursday by unidentified gunmen in Lanao del Norte, according to the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

In Manila, former policeman Reynaldo Nuque at Felizardo Pablico were on board a passenger jeepney in Quiapo on Thursday when four armed men fired shots at them. Both of the fatalities who faced robbery and holdup charges as well as illegal possession of firearms were released from jail that Thursday morning.

"The CHR has long been asserting that arbitrary deprivations of life constitute serious human rights violations and that the failure of the State to prevent loss of life and hold perpetrators accountable is a threat to a functioning rule of law," de Guia said.

"The State is obligated to investigate every situation involving a violation of the rights protected in our Constitution, most importantly the right to life. Likewise, it must not allow private persons or groups to act freely and with impunity to the detriment of the rights of any person," she added.

De Guia said the "brazen killings" resulted from "the normalised culture of violence and impunity that our society continues to tolerate."

"Pronouncements coming from public officials that encourage and embolden citizens to put justice in their own hands and transgress other people’s basic human rights must be denounced at all levels. These remarks only foster a community of violence and fear instead of building an environment where peace and order can flourish," she said.

De Guia said CHR regional offices will conduct independent investigations on the cases.

"We look forward to the cooperation of the proper authorities in the course of our investigations in pursuit of exacting justice and accountability for such transgressions," she said. —KG, GMA News