No one should be forced to commit acts against one’s will, let alone be a victim of violence for asserting one’s liberty.

As such, the Commission on Human Rights strongly condemns the killing of Jose Barrera, 47, a resident of Sitio Liberty, Barangay Naibuan, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Barrera is also a Mangyan tribe leader and was said to be a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Initial reports claim that Barrera was abducted and executed for rejecting to rejoin the rebel group, as well as for refusing to support candidates backed by the NPA.

We then call on the government to ensure that all perpetrators be made accountable for this crime and exercise greater vigilance in addressing the complexities of election-related violences as the polling date grows closer. CHR, through its concerned regional office, shall also be investigating this case.