MANILA – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched an independent investigation following the killing of its security guard on Dec. 13.
CHR spokesperson, lawyer Jacqueline de Guia, on Tuesday condemned the killing of their security staff.
"We strongly condemn this brazen attack on the very grounds of CHR—it speaks of the pervasiveness of violence and the thick shroud of impunity that darken our society," said de Guia.
According to the CHR, the security guard was shot dead in front of its regional office in Zamboanga City.
De Guia said the commission was alarmed by the incident considering it was held within the CHR's premises.
"This appalling crime also has security and safety implications to the CHR as an institution considering that it happened in front of our regional office. Amidst the prevalence of red-tagging and the continuing intimidation and disinformation against the Commission for its steadfast push for human rights, this act of violence within our compound is deeply concerning," de Guia said.
As the CHR launched an immediate probe to resolve the case, it also called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately conduct a parallel and thorough investigation to hold perpetrators accountable for the violent attack.
De Guia said the incident pushed the need for the CHR to tighten its security measures "to prevent any further risk or violence."
"It is disheartening that violence persists amid the suffering in this period of pandemic crisis. We harp again our repeated plea to the government to concretely address the continuing atrocities on the ground," she added. "The Filipino people deserve a just and humane society, free from violence and impunity."
De Guia said they are deeply disheartened by the act of violence that took place in the middle of a pandemic.
She said Filipinos deserve a just and humane society, free from violence and impunity, so the government must concretely address these acts of atrocities on the ground.
The CHR has extended all necessary assistance to his bereaved wife and three daughters, de Guia said. (PNA)
