The killings of Ako Bicol party-list representative Rodel Batocabe and SPO1 Orlando Diaz deserve the strongest condemnation, especially since said lives been senselessly claimed allegedly due to political motivation.

This act frustrates the people’s right to choose their leaders in the upcoming elections, and treats a person’s right to life and dignity of no consequence.

The Commission on Human Rights has already launched an investigation on this case to ensure that the perpetrators of the killing of both Representative Batocabe and SPO1 Diaz are made accountable before the court of law.

This incident, however, points to other issues, such as the increasing election-related violence and gun control, which the government should also address immediately.

Similarly, this is not the only killing witnessed by the country. Priests, lawyers, public officials, human rights advocates, and ordinary citizens have also been subjects of such assault. These cases equally require our attention and vigilance in the interest of upholding justice and the rule of law for all.

We call on the government to earnestly ensure that this trend of bloodshed no longer continues. At the same time, we hope witnesses surface with courage to make a stand to stop the many forms of violence and human rights violations that abound. ###