CHR probes killing of Aparri vice mayor, 5 aides

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday said it launched a motu proprio investigation on the killing of Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and five others in Nueva Vizcaya.

The CHR said it denounced any form of attack against anyone’s right to life.

“No reason can justify actions intended to arbitrarily deprive a person of their life or violate any of their rights. We hope that CHR’s independent investigation can also help attaining truth and justice for the victims,” it said in a statement.

The commission also welcomed the directive of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rodolfo Azurin to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident toward determining the persons behind the ambush.

“CHR stresses the importance of holding perpetrators to account. Ensuring the rule of law is essential in ending the cycle of senseless bloodshed and violence, as well as in addressing instances that worsens the climate of impunity in the country,” it added.

Authorities said Alameda and five others were killed when their van was ambushed by gunmen in Nueva Vizcaya on Sunday, February 19.

Initial investigation showed the victims were aboard a Starex van on the way to Manila when more or less six suspects fired at them, the police said.

Meanwhile, the PNP said some persons of interest have been identified in the ambush. —Richa Noriega/ VAL, GMA Integrated News