MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Sunday condemned the abduction of a barangay (village) chief and three others by alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro.
CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann De Guia called for justice for the abduction of Barangay (village) Malo chair Peter Delos Santos, civilians Ruth delos Santos and Rocky Boy Bueta, and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) Civilian Active Auxiliary member Raymundo Malupa.
“The Commission on Human Rights condemns any act that transgresses on these fundamental human rights, such as in the case of the abduction allegedly perpetrated by the New People’s Army, which targeted a barangay chairman, two civilians, and a member of Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) in Barangay Malo, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro,” De Guia said in a statement.
“We stress that any form of arbitrary, unlawful taking and confinement is punishable by law, much more so if eventually treated inhumanely and with cruelty,” De Guia added.
De Guia said the abduction violated the rights of the victims for freedom and security.
“These acts must be pursued to the fullest extent of our laws and ensure that perpetrators be punished in the name of serving justice to all aggrieved,” De Guia said.
As of Sunday (12:36 AM), three of the four victims have been released with Malupa still being held by the captors. /cbb