The Commission on Human Rights denounces the death of a 32-year-old Spanish national, Diego Bello Lafuente, who was shot dead in an alleged drug operation in the Island of Siargao by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday, 08 January 2020.

The circumstances surrounding his death call for an independent investigation as police claim that Bello, a so-called “high-value drug dealer”, died in self-defense by firing his alleged .45-caliber pistol first against the authorities. The Commission maintains its position that the self-defense argument against Bello, and all other suspects who have been killed in drug-related encounters with the police, must be brought to the court. Under Philippine and international law, police are only allowed to use force as a last resort, and even then, can only do the bare minimum to prevent further loss of life.

Under its mandate to ensure the protection of the rights of migrants residing in the Philippines and to conduct investigation of cases of extra-judicial killing, the Commission will launch its own probe and will also look into reports saying that the trigger of the killing was the extortion attempt by members of the police which was not accommodated by the Spanish businessman.

Amidst the continuing rising toll of extra-judicial killings in the country, the fight against illegal drugs has become a convenient cover for some unscrupulous members of the the PNP to commit crimes, such as extortion from business owners and other forms of corruption.

The Commission backs the demand of family and friends of the victim to have an autopsy of his body to help shed light on the incident, and calls on the PNP to uphold due process and ensure the integrity of all the evidence.

The CHR is open to any collaboration with the Spanish Government and is willing to extend any assistance that will aid in delivering justice for Bello’s death.###