CHR: End ‘Trend of Bloodshed’

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday called on the government to end the current “trend of bloodshed” and other politically motivated acts of violence in the country, following the killing of a party-list lawmaker and his aide.

In a statement, CHR Commissioner Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana also called on all witnesses to come out and help put a stop to the trail of violence.

“We call on the government to earnestly ensure that this trend of bloodshed no longer continues,” Gana said.

“At the same time, we hope witnesses surface with courage to make a stand to stop the many forms of violence and human rights violations that abound,” she said.

Unidentified gunmen shot to death Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe and his police escort, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, on Saturday as the lawmaker emerged from a gift-giving event for senior citizens in Daraga town in Albay province.

Batocabe, who is on his third term as lawmaker, is running for mayor of Daraga in next year’s elections.

The CHR said it had launched an investigation into the pair’s murder as it expressed alarm over initial reports that the killing was politically motivated.

“This act frustrates the people’s right to choose their leaders in the upcoming elections and treats a person’s right to life and dignity of no consequence,” she said.