CHR to probe slay of cop by suspected NPAs in Agusan del Norte

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it would investigate the killing of a police officer on May 22 by suspected members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

“Nakikiramay ang Komisyon sa pagkamatay ni Police Executive Master Sergeant Jimmer Omisol. Kami’y mag-iimbestiga upang makatulong sa pagresolba ng kasong ito. Ayon sa grupong New People’s Army, pinaslang nila si Sgt. Omisol dahil “nanlaban” daw ito,” CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Police Executive Master Sergeant Jimmer Omisol was killed by the New People’s Army (NPA). Omar Ibarra, spokesman of the NPA Guerrilla Front 4A said Omisol was about to be arrested but the police officer allegedly resisted.

READ: NPA owns slay of cop in Agusan del Norte

The CHR, however, said a case could be filed against the perpetrators as self defense is not enough reason to justify the killing.

“Ipinapaalala namin na hindi sapat na rason ang self-defense upang mapawalang-sala dahil buhay ang nawala. Kailangan na magsampa ng kaso para malitis sa korte kung makatwiran at hindi kalabisan ang naging tugon kumpara sa aggression na ipinakita ng di-umano’y nanlaban,” De Guia said.

The CHR added that the incident also highlighted the effects of a culture of violence, to which even members the country’s armed forces are not safe from.

“Makikita sa insidenteng ito ang epekto ng kultura ng karahasan — maging ang mga armadong pwersa ng gobyerno ay hindi ligtas,” De Guia said.  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)