CHR to PNP: Prove in court that suspects were killed in self-defense

Cases involving government operatives who invoke self-defense, or “nanlaban,” in killing alleged criminals should be proven in court, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said in a statement on Friday.

The CHR cited the case of lawyer Argel Cabatbat who survived an attack by ramming two gunmen who were aboard a motorcycle with his sports utility vehicle while his companion John Ramos opened fire with a pistol, killing one of the suspects.

The slain assailant was identified as Police Officer 1 (PO1) Mark Ayeras, who was reported as being absent from duty without official leave (AWOL) when the attack happened.

The Commission also noted the statement of Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar who said the QCPD will still be filing charges against Cabatbat despite admitting that the lawyer was the victim in the attack.

Eleazar said the police will still be filing a complaint against Cabatbat to comply with procedure as a person had died in the incident.

READ: QCPD still charging ambushed lawyer who killed gunman

“The same procedure should be applied not only against civilians claiming self-defense, but also against police officers in so-called “nanlaban” cases. They must also prove in court that their killings of suspects are in self-defense,” the CHR said in a statement.

“The right to life deserves our highest respect. We call on the government to uphold human rights and the rule of law at all times. Law enforcers are not above the law and should be equally accountable for human rights violations,” it added.   /muf