De Lima condemns murders of activist, rights advocates in Sorsogon, CamSur

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Senator Leila De Lima condemned on Wednesday the murders of an activist and two human rights advocates in the provinces of Sorsogon and Camarines Sur, noting that the killings “already follow a pattern” and are receiving “cold response” from authorities.

READ: Albayalde questions identities of slain rights defenders

On Monday, activist Nephtali Morada was killed on his way to the Camarines Sur Capitol hall. He was a former Bayan Muna regional head and was also a Bagong Albayang Makabayan campaign committee head.

“Two obvious questions must be asked: Who killed him and what was the motive?” De Lima said.

Morada’s murder followed the deaths on Saturday of two members of rights group Karapatan. Victims Nelly Bagasala and Ryan Hubilla were shot dead by two men at close range in Sorsogon City, Sorsogon province.

READ: Latest attack on rights defenders: 2 killed in Sorsogon

According to De Lima, Bagasala and Hubilla were killed in the same “organized and merciless” manner.

“Ang mga pinaslang ay mga walang pagkakasala sa batas. Kahit kinakalyo na ang tainga ng awtoridad, hindi dapat tumigil ang panawagang protektahan ang buhay at ang mga karapatang pantao at panagutin ang mga salarin,” she said in a statement.

“Sino itong mga umaaktong tila mga diyos para kitilin ang buhay ng mga inosenteng biktima? Bakit ang lalakas ng loob nila?” said De Lima.

She said the murders are proof that not only poor drug addicts and pushers are being targeted but also human rights defenders. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)