Kin of victims of extrajudicial killings hold solidarity walk for justice

Relatives of victims of extrajudicial killings held a solidarity walk on Saturday to call for justice.

The group walked from Philcoa toward the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) office in Quezon City, according to a report by Victoria Tulad on GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Saturday.

The relatives also brought white crosses and planted them on CHR grounds.

Among those who joined the solidarity walk are members of the group Gomburza, running priest Fr. Robert Reyes, former CHR chairperson Etta Rosales, and relatives of those who were killed in the government's war on drugs.

CHR Commissioner Chito Gascon said the white crosses remind them of the many victims of extrajudicial killings.

Milagros Sumagi, 78, was among those who joined the solidarity walk.

She said her grandchild Ogie, 19, died in 2016 after policemen barged into their house and took him, saying he was a drug lord. Shots rang out outside their house in Tondo, Manila.

Sumagi however said Ogie was not a drug pusher or user.

Rodrigo Baylon is also grieving over the death of his nine-year-old child Lenin.

He said the child was folding pillowcases and curtains when a stray bullet hit him.

Baylon believes the bullet came from policemen who were then conducting an anti-drug operation in Caloocan City.

He said he got angry after President Rodrigo Duterte said his child could be considered collateral victim in the government's war on drugs.

A mass was held at the CHR on Saturday morning which was also attended by victims of Martial Law.

Fr. Albert Alejo, in his homily, reminded authorities to uphold human rights.

On Monday, countries will observe International Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. —KG, GMA News