Alarmed over killings, CHR wants ‘increased vigilance’ by gov’t

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed concern over the recent assassinations of political personalities and asked government for “increased vigilance” to address the spate of violence.

“It is alarming that the trend of killings continue despite the holiday season. However, regardless of season or motivation, the government must not allow such transgressions against human rights to happen,” CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement on Sunday.

“We urge the government to apply increased vigilance, especially that there are allegations linking the killing to the upcoming elections,” she added.

CHR’s statement came after Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Rodel Batocabe was killed in Daraga, Albay, after attending a gift-giving event on Saturday afternoon.

Batocabe was on his last term as Ako Bicol congressman, and was to run for mayor of Daraga in next year’s elections.

Police, state investigators, and other government agencies said they are looking at politics as possible motive behind Batocabe’s murder.

Also killed last Saturday was a former politician in Bukidnon, who was gunned down by still unknown assailants in Cagayan de Oro City.  Then in Batangas, a barangay chairman was also shot dead.

According to De Guia, the local office of CHR in Albay is already conducting its own investigation on Batocabe’s slay.

“CHR-Region V is already investigating the case in aid of making the perpetrators accountable for this crime,” she said. /kga

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