PRESS STATEMENT OF THE CHR ON THE DEATH OF ALBUERA
MAYOR ROLANDO ESPINOSA
November 5, 2016
The reported death of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa today, while in detention at the Baybay City Provincial Jail, raises serious questions on the responsibility of the State to protect persons deprived of liberty, especially in relation to the primordial right to life of every human being. The Commission has consistently denounced all forms of arbitrary deprivation of life without due process of law as it transgresses the fundamental right espoused by key international human rights instruments and domestic laws.
Considering the circumstances surrounding the death of Mayor Espinosa, the Commission calls on the Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies, including the Baybay City Provincial Jail, to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation of the matter to hold the people responsible for his death accountable. Likewise, the Commission, through the Head of the National Task Force Against Extra Judicial Killing Gwendolyn Pimentel-Gana, has already directed the concerned CHR Regional Office to conduct its own independent investigation. The Commission assures the public that it will remain faithful to its constitutional duty to uphold the rights of all, without distinction.
Contact Person:
Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia
OIC, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Office
Telephone No: (02) 528-5792 / 09175919833
Email address: comms.chr@gmail.com