The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) denounces the murderous assault against National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Chief Roland Cortez and his driver by unknown gunmen today, 27 July 2020, along Tandang Sora Avenue, Quezon City.

In the midst of the preparation for the State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa, the brazen and vigilante-style killing of a public official in an area where there is heavy police presence is deeply concerning as this signifies how emboldened the perpetrators are in carrying out a crime in broad daylight.

The CHR appeals to the Philippine National Police and other local authorities to carry out swift and full investigation of the case to hold perpetrators accountable.

For its part, the CHR commits to conduct an independent probe and will closely monitor the situation. We call for justice for the slain public servant and extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Dr Cortez and his driver.

Despite the death of the medical chief, the Commission urges the government to continue its investigation of the irregularities within the NCMH, while the CHR also has started looking into the case. In this time of a global health crisis, unethical and corrupt practices in public health institutions undermine people’s access to healthcare, especially the most marginalised and disadvantaged.###