CHR probes Negros Oriental killings

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday said it is investigating the series of deaths in Negros Oriental, saying the spike in “brutal killings” in the province is alarming.

Citing news reports, the CHR said that 16 people have been killed in the province over the past week.

“Some of the victims had placards placed on their bodies, warning others that they may be next should they break the law. The people of Negros Oriental deserve better than to live in fear of the rampant violence and brutality just outside their doorstep,” CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia said in a statement.

De Guia said its regional office in Negros Oriental has been tasked to look into the killings in Siaton, Ayungon, and Sta. Catalina, and Guihulngan City as the human rights commission urged the government to take measures to stop the killings.

“We urge [the] government to properly investigate and take active measures towards putting a stop to these killings and finding the perpetrators before more lives are needlessly lost,” De Guia said.

“We will coordinate with the local authorities as best as we can to help the government bring justice to the victims,” De Guia added.

The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), however, said the series of deaths should not be a cause of alarm since most of the incidents happened in different parts of the province.

“They’re just separate cases,” Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas, director of PRO-7, said. /jpv

READ: PRO-7 chief: Killings in Negros Or. are not a cause for alarm