The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is one with our community of human right defenders in mourning the passing of Chairperson Gascon.
Amidst the challenges faced by the CHR and the relentless personal attacks on his character and the CHR; he carried on with dignity, strength and courage. Never bitter, never fearful, he was equally unrelenting in “pounding the rock of impunity,” as he’d say, and encourage our officers to do the same.
It is hard to fathom how someone with such a huge presence in our lives can suddenly be gone. Through the hardest days, Chito provided stable leadership. He was an intellectual giant who showed great eloquence in his speech. He cared when no one did and he dared when others were fearful. Compassionate till the end, he had himself discharged early so that others may use his hospital bed.
As we carry on his work, we will remain and “keep pounding the rock.” His untimely demise reminds us of the work that needs to be further done. It will not detract from CHR’s mandate. With renewed strength and vigor, CHR will continue to function its national mandate in documenting and investigating alleged cases of human rights abuse.
As a National Human Rights Institution that embodies the principle of pluralism, CHR together with the remaining members of the En Banc and career officers shall continue to hold the line against impunity. We shall continue to keep pounding the rock until it is no more.
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