CHR slams Maguindanao town mayor’s slay, urges gov’t to ensure officials’ safety

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday condemned the killing of a Maguindanao town mayor, saying the continued bloodshed shows the government’s failure to protect its citizens and elected officials. 

Sultan Sumagka town Mayor Abdulwahab Sabal was shot and killed by a group of gunmen in Malate, Manila.

“The Commission on Human Rights strongly condemns the recent killing of Mayor Abdul Wahab Sabal of Talitay, Maguindanao by two unidentified gunmen riding in tandem,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement.

“This incident is another notch in a pattern of impunity and violence that has taken root in this country,” she added.

De Guia lamented that the mayor’s death is the government’s “failure” to protect its citizens and called for action to allay their fears.

“This continued bloodshed is a failure of the State in protecting its citizens, as primary duty bearers and protectors of human rights. Good governance cannot come if public servants are living in fear; action must be taken before more lives are lost so that we can focus on working towards a better Philippines,” De Guia said.

“CHR urges the government to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its elected officials — this cycle of violence must be addressed, for its lasting effects and consequences are already being felt,” she continued.

Sabal was among the local officials President Rodrigo Duterte named in August 2016 as politicians suspected to be involved in the illegal drug trade.

Edited by MUF