CHR vows probe on separate killings of CamSur minor, alleged suspect

MANILA, Philippines — The killing of a 12-year-old girl from Nabua town in Camarines Sur — along with the death of the suspect while in police custody — will be looked into by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said on Thursday that the commission condemns the brutal killing of the minor, whose already decomposing body was found on a grassy roadside in Barangay La Bustrac last Monday.

According to police reports, the grandmother of the victim said that it was Ricky Ebonite, from Nabua’s Barangay Santiago Old, who fetched the girl from their house last August 4.

The whereabouts of the victim were not known since then, until her body was discovered.

“The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns the brutal killing of a 12-year old girl in Nabua, Iriga City and is currently investigating the case to shed light on this violent incident,” De Guia said.

“This week, as we commemorate the 12th year anniversary of the passage of the Magna Carta of Women, the persisting culture of violence against women and girls is once again highlighted in the recent slay of the [victim].  Such transgression is unacceptable and violates the basic human rights and dignity of a girl child,” she added.

But CHR said that they will also investigate the death of Ebonite himself, who was shot dead by a police officer from the town’s police station.

Reports on Wednesday showed that Nabua police chief Maj. Divino John Pelea was looking on as Ebonite was being interviewed at the police station.  But Ebonite allegedly tried to grab the service firearm of Pelea, which prompted Lt. Col. Alex Peñafiel to shoot the suspect.

Police said that they tried to bring Ebonite to a nearby hospital but he was declared dead on arrival.

Pelea said Ebonite first surrendered at the Iriga City District Jail, and was brought by jail officers to the said police station.  However, he said that the suspect started to issue confusing statements.

“Likewise, the Commission will also look into the police shooting of the murder suspect who allegedly tried to attack the authorities while being questioned under custody,” De Guia said.

“The CHR recognizes the commitment of the City Government of Iriga City in delivering justice to the victim and her family,” she added.

je