CHR: Gov’t should address ‘culture of killings’ in PH

Following the killings of five anti-drug agents who were ambushed by unidentified assailants in Lanao del Sur on Friday, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) hopes that the government “will show stronger resolve to address the culture of killings.”

READ: 5 PDEA agents dead in ambush in Lanao del Sur

“With this cycle of violence that victimizes and puts in peril even state forces, we hope that the government will show stronger resolve to address the culture of killings,” CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement on Monday.

The CHR, which “strongly” condemned the deaths of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents, said that the killing shows that “the growing culture of impunity has pervaded every segment of our society.”

“From the poor folks, youth, local executives, human-rights defenders, media, police officers, and now the anti-narcotics agents,” she said.

De Guia noted that “only through the rule of law and due process” that the government can restore an atmosphere “that will dissipate the cycle of violence and foster an environment that honors the sanctity and value of each life” be created.

Meanwhile, the CHR extended its “utmost sympathies” to the families, friends, and colleagues of the slain agents.

The CHR also assured that the case is now being investigated by their sub-office in Region 10. /jpv