CHR condemns killing of Mangyan leader, sets probe

MANILA, Philippines -The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday condemned the killing of a Mangyan tribe leader, allegedly carried out by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Occidental Mindoro earlier this month.

CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the regional office of the will dig deeper into Barrera’s death.

Several NPA rebels abducted Mangyan leader Jose Barrera – a former rebel himself – from his residence in Barangay Naibuan in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on April 7.

Barrera’s remains were later on found in the same barangay.

Authorities believe that Barrera was killed after rejecting the NPA’s invitation to rejoin the group.

Barrera also reportedly refused to support NPA-backed candidates for the forthcoming elections.

“No one should be forced to commit acts against one’s will, let alone be a victim of violence for asserting one’s liberty,” De Guia said in a statement.

“CHR, through its concerned regional office, shall also be investigating this case,” she added.

De Guia also called the government to ensure justice will be served for the slain tribal leader.

“We then call on the government to ensure that all perpetrators be made accountable for this crime and exercise greater vigilance in addressing the complexities of election-related violence as the polling date grows closer,” De Guia said. /gsg