Militant group seeks justice for activist killed in Navotas

MANILA, Philippines—The militant group Karapatan has sought justice for an activist who was allegedly killed by policemen in Navotas City.

In a statement, Karapatan said that the death of 27-year-old Jerwin de Antonio, a member of Anakbayan who was also a fisherman, should be investigated by an independent team. At the same time, it reminded the administration that it is required to uphold human rights in the country.

Karapatan’s call for a probe of De Antonio’s death came a day after Amnesty International said that nearly a year into the Aquino administration, there has been minimal progress when it comes to giving justice to victims of human rights violations.

In a report, Karapatan said that De Antonio had just finished selling fish at the market on April 21 when three policemen forced him into their patrol vehicle where they beat him up.

One of the policemen was identified as Police Officer 1 Ronie de la Cruz. The two others were known only as Police Officers 1 Carancho and Gonzales.

The group reported that the policemen later brought De Antonio to a police station where he was booked for vagrancy. After he was taken to a clinic for a medical checkup, the victim was brought to a side street where he was again beaten up, according to witnesses.

Kaparatan claimed that the policemen told De Antonio to run and then gunshots were heard after which they were seen putting him inside a tricycle. The victim was later taken to Tondo General Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.