The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemns the killing of lawyer Rex Fernandez in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City on Thursday afternoon, 26 August 2021. CHR will be sending a quick reaction team to conduct an independent investigation on this incident.
Fernandez was said to have been ambushed by unidentified assailants when his vehicle stopped at intersection. The laywer died on the spot. The lawyer’s driver was reportedly left wounded after the attack.
CHR decries the brazen assault against a person’s right to life. No reason can ever justify any act that will arbitrarily deprive a person of their life.
We have also seen numerous assaults against lawyers. It is tragic that those too in the legal profession have fallen victims to injustices and human rights violations that they have sworn to fight.
CHR reminds the government of its obligations in upholding and protecting the rights of all. The list of unsolved cases of killings and violations of rights continue. We urge the government to swiftly act and investigate this case and hold the perpetrators to account. Justice must prevail. ###