CHR urges gov’t to address violence, impunity after La Union mayor’s murder

Following the assassination of La Union Mayor Alexander Buquing, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged the government to address violence and impunity.

READ: La Union town mayor, along with driver and cop, killed in ambush

“We urge the government to concretely address violence and impunity by fulfilling its duty to conduct investigations, prosecute, and convict perpetrators,” CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Being passive in the face of persistent impunity is a violation of human rights in itself,” she added.

The CHR reiterated its call to the government to “urgently” put an end to the culture of violence and “work on creating a conducive environment that respects the fundamental right to life and the dignity of all.”

The government agency has expressed deep concern over the recurring spate of violence in all segments of society” after the death of the La Union mayor on Monday.

The CHR also noted that 12 mayors and at least six vice mayors have been killed under the current administration.

“With high profile cases being unresolved, it is worrisome as to how thousands of other cases of deaths are being addressed,” De Guia said. /ee