CHR says the task of eradicating ‘culture of impunity’ is in gov’t hands

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said the government plays a crucial role in abolishing the culture of violence and impunity in the country.

“It is imperative for the government to hold the perpetrator accountable,”

Atty. Aloi Renz Santos of CHR Region 3 told Inquirer.net in an interview, pertaining to Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca who is the suspect behind the killing of two unarmed civilians in Paniqui, Tarlac on December 20.

In a now-viral video of the incident, Nuezca, an officer assigned at the Parañaque City Police Crime Laboratory, fatally shot 52-year-old Sonya Gregorio and her 25-year-old son Frank Anthony Gregorio after a heated argument.

“[T]he action to be taken in this case may set precedence in the eradication or vindication of the continuing or ongoing culture of violence and impunity, which the commission and other human rights organizations denounce in the Philippines,” he added.

“We believe that there is still credibility with our justice system. We hope that our justice system will give justice and light to this incident,” he added.

Santos described the gruesome and violent incident as a “blatant violation” of the victims’ right to life and due process. He reiterated that the commission strongly condemns the killings.

According to him, aside from providing financial assistance to the victim’s family, the commission is also monitoring the case.

“We will keep monitoring this case because the best form of sympathy, aside from prayers and financial aid, is also to join the family to their fight and demand for justice,” said Santos.

“We also extend financial assistance in the amount of 60,000 (pesos) for the bereaved family and we also want to protect the investigation process,” he added.

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