The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will be conducting a motu propio investigation into the discovery of a body of a woman near a beach in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur on 22 January 2022. The victim is believed to be tortured, with perpetrators attempting to conceal the crime as suggested by the water container filled with cement tied to the body serving as anchor.

The Commission condemns this heinous and cruel violation to human life. Torture and other cruel and inhumane acts are prohibited by the Constitution and is criminalised by the Anti-Torture Law. No individual should be subject to torture or any cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

CHR will be working closely with local officers to help in establishing the identity of the victim. We ask any possible witnesses or those who may have knowledge on the identity of the victim to volunteer information to your nearest police station or CHR office so we may help achieve justice for this human rights violation. ###