CHR probes CIDG raid of women’s shelter

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has begun a probe into a reported raid by the Panay Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG-Panay) at a women’s shelter in Roxas City, Capiz.

In a statement released on Friday, the CHR is acting upon the concern raised by women’s group Gabriela, who established the shelter as a refuge for abused women in the said city.

“To ascertain truth and administer justice on the basis of truth, CHR Regional Office VI is already conducting an independent investigation on this matter,” announced CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia.

According to Gabriela, the CIDG served a warrant with the names of community leader Lenilyn Jaynos and Gabriela-Roxas City Secretary General Marivie Bartolome Arguelles. Upon raiding the shelter, the CIDG allegedly found explosives.

Jaynos was arrested but Gabriela claimed that the CIDG planted the explosives.

“CHR maintains that, if corroborated, planting evidence is criminal liability,” said de Guia.

The CHR cited Section 4-A of Republic Act No. 9516, which said that “Any person who is found guilty of ‘planting’ any explosive or incendiary device or any part, ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument of any explosive or incendiary device, whether chemical, mechanical, electronic, electrical or otherwise, shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua.”

“We reiterate that calls for unity must include all citizens regardless of ideological beliefs and political backgrounds,” asserted De Guia.

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