CHR probes Mindanao blasts

BOMB ATTACK The blast at the garage of D’ Biel Transportation in Isabela City leaves a truck damaged and two injured. —PHOTO COURTESY OF DXNO BASILAN

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Friday said it was also investigating the series of bombings and explosions in Mindanao the past few days, condemning the incidents, which the agency said were against the principles of international humanitarian law.

Jacqueline De Guia, executive director of the CHR, said the motu propio (on its own) investigation was mainly driven by the May 26 explosion inside a bus in Koronadal City, another blast at a bus terminal in Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat.

Two explosions also took place in Isabela City in Basilan on May 30—one at the parking space of a fast-food chain while the next one was at a garage of a bus company.

‘Strong condemnation’

“CHR strongly condemns these incidents of violence and indiscriminate bombings, which run counter to the principles of international humanitarian law,” De Guia said in a statement.

She added, “CHR reiterates its strong condemnation [of] any act of armed rebellion that seek to terrorize and sow discord into the lives of the people.”