MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday said that it will be probing the fatal shootings of an incumbent village chief and a former vice mayor of Pandi town, Bulacan.
According to Pandi Municipal Police Station chief Maj. Joy Villanueva Placido, Pandi town former vice mayor Oca Marquez and current barangay chairman Mauro Capistrano of Bagbaguin town were having a meeting in a restaurant last Sunday when the unidentified gunmen shot them.
In a statement, CHR spokesperson Attorney Jacqueline De Guia said the CHR-Region III office will be investigating the case “ (in) recognition of the right to life of the victims and helping bring the perpetrators to account.”
The Commission added that it was “alarmed” by the killings.
“The Commission condemns this act of violence and calls upon law enforcement agencies to expedite efforts to identify and persecute the perpetrators, determine the motive of the crime and give justice to the victims and the family,” De Guia said.
The CHR spokesperson also reminded that instead of resorting to violence, communication is the key to settle differences.
“Vigilante killings, whether politically or not politically motivated, violates the right to life contributes to the growing culture of impunity,” De Guia said.