CHR: Growing number of killed human rights advocates ‘gravely alarming’

MANILA, Philippines — The growing number of human rights defenders who died at the hands of unidentified gunmen under the Duterte administration is “gravely alarming,” the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said Friday.

CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann De Guia said this as she condemned the killing of Archad Ayao, a 28-year-old human rights investigator for the Bangsamoro region.

“The growing number of human rights advocates who died in the hands of unidentified gunmen under the Duterte administration is gravely alarming for the Commission,” De Guia said.

“It is a testament that violent rhetoric and vilification of human rights concepts is deadly. This will only result to the already ongoing climate of fear and will weaken the works and influence of human rights defenders in the country who continue to challenge all forms of injustices and hold people in authority to account,” she added.

Police reports earlier said Ayao and his habal-habal (motorcycle) driver was shot to death by motorcycle-riding assailants in Cotabato City on Wednesday. Both victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head and were pronounced dead on arrival in the hospital.

READ: Former TV reporter, habal—habal driver shot dead in Cotabato City

The CHR official then asked government to expedite its investigation on the death of Ayao, as well as other numerous cases of attacks and harassments to defenders.

“Human rights advocates remain to be at risk in the country’s political climate at present, that’s why we urge the government to collaborate and protect those who champion for human rights rather than encourage any forms of attacks on them,” De Guia said.

Opposition senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc meanwhile called on President Rodrigo Duterte to protect human rights workers and give them justice.

“I implore you to be part of the solution to stop these killings. They are getting worse every day, and now human rights workers are the victims. Huwag na po nating hintayin na lumala pa po itong mga patayang ito, we have to act now,” Gutoc said.  /muf