CHR decries attacks on village officials; calls for full probe
MANILA—The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) denounced the series of attacks against barangay officials and called for a thorough investigation of the incidents.
The CHR said such attacks violate the fundamental right to life and noted that violence undermines the integrity of local governments as it endangers the safety of community leaders.
“We call for a thorough and impartial investigation into each of these cruel attacks, with the perpetrators promptly i dentified and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” it added.
The CHR also pointed out how attacks against officials may impact the decisions of voters in the next elections.
“Just as we promote and support good governance, CHR also highlights the need to protect the Filipinos’ right to freely take part in electoral processes by voting for their candidates, rather t han allowing their ballots to be influenced by these incidents and therefore diminishing the quality of democracy we all commit to preserve,” it added.
The CHR t hen urged authorities to strengthen mechanisms to prevent and respond to violence against barangay officials as well as improve the security and safety of communities.
“[ This] i s critical t o protecting their rights and allowing them to carry out their responsibilities without fear,” it stressed.
The CHR , however, recognized t he ef f ort s of the Philippine National Police in investigating the attacks. It promised to help in the investigation to ensure accountability of perpetrators.
Authorities have recorded at least seven attacks that resulted i n the death of 11 people, including eight barangay officials.
In Nueva Ecija on February 8, two gunmen shot dead Roberto Carpio, a resident of Barangay Luyos and a twoterm member of the municipal council, while he was driving his motorcycle in Barangay Sto. Cristo.
He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
Another similar incident occurred in Barangay Catimon also in Nueva Ecija on February 16. This time, it involved Barangay Chairman Patricio Laude, who was shot dead near the house of Kagawad Christopher Masimong, who was injured in the attack.
On February 19, Barangay Chairman Lawrence Angco, of Barangay Poblacion, Santo Domingo in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur was gunned down while on February 21, Barangay Sta. Rosa Kagawad Rolando Palacio, of Tabongo town in Leyte, was killed.
Five people, i ncluding Barangay Chairman Elizalde Tabon, Kagawad Paulo Al Mindero, and watchman Rusty Salazar, were attacked on February 24 in San Isidro town in Leyte after four unidentified men barged into their village hall and shot them dead.