It is deeply alarming that violations of human rights are becoming more brazen—committed in broad daylight and without regard for human life.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemns the ambush of Infanta, Quezon mayor Filipina Grace America. Reports say that the mayor was on her way home from church when her vehicle was repeatedly shot by unidentified gunmen in Poblacion Uno, Infanta, Quezon on Sunday, 27 February 2022.
Under a democratic society, any dispute—may it be politically-motivated or otherwise—should never be settled through the barrel of a gun.
It is said that Mayor America is running for re-election in Infanta. The mayor and the Infanta local government have also voiced strong opposition to the construction of Kaliwa Dam, which, once created, will submerge parts of Quezon and Rizal provinces, threaten wildlife and biodiversity, and displace indigenous communities in the area.
Recent public updates share that Mayor America is still recovering after sustaining gunshot wounds in different parts of her body.
To help in seeking truth and justice, CHR will also be investigating the case in hopes that our independent investigation may help in holding perpetrators to account. ###