CHR decries attacks on village officials; calls for full probe

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemns the series of attacks against barangay officials and calls for a thorough investigation of the incidents. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) denounced the series of attacks against barangay officials and called for a thorough investigation of the incidents.

The CHR said such attacks violate the fundamental right to life and noted that violence undermines the integrity of local governments as it endangers the safety of community leaders.

“We call for a thorough and impartial investigation into each of these cruel attacks, with the perpetrators promptly identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” it added.

READ: Mayor in Leyte renounces killings of barangay officials

The CHR also pointed out how attacks against officials may impact the decisions of voters in the next elections.

“Just as we promote and support good governance, CHR also highlights the need to protect the Filipinos’ right to freely take part in electoral processes by voting for their candidates, rather than allowing their ballots to be influenced by these incidents and therefore diminishing the quality of democracy we all commit to preserve,” it added.

The CHR then urged authorities to strengthen mechanisms to prevent and respond to violence against barangay officials as well as improve the security and safety of communities.

“[This] is critical to protecting their rights and allowing them to carry out their responsibilities without fear,” it stressed.

The CHR, however, recognized the efforts of the Philippine National Police in investigating the attacks. It promised to help in the investigation to ensure accountability of perpetrators.

Authorities have recorded at least seven attacks that resulted in the death of 11 people, including eight barangay officials.

In Nueva Ecija on February 8, two gunmen shot dead Roberto Carpio, a resident of Barangay Luyos and a two-term member of the municipal council, while he was driving his motorcycle in Barangay Sto. Cristo.

READ: Town councilor in Nueva Ecija gunned down

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Another similar incident occurred in Barangay Catimon also in Nueva Ecija on February 16. This time, it involved Barangay Chairman Patricio Laude, who was shot dead near the house of Kagawad Christopher Masimong, who was injured in the attack.

On February 19, Barangay Chairman Lawrence Angco, of Barangay Poblacion, Santo Domingo in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur was gunned down while on February 21, Barangay Sta. Rosa Kagawad Rolando Palacio, of Tabongo town in Leyte, was killed.

Five people, including Barangay Chairman Elizalde Tabon, Kagawad Paulo Al Mindero, and watchman Rusty Salazar, were attacked on February 24 in San Isidro town in Leyte after four unidentified men barged into their village hall and shot them dead.

More recently, Franklyn Tan, chairman of Barangay Seaside in Zamboanga City, died from three gunshot wounds in the body on February 25.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attacks as investigations are still ongoing.