The Commission on Human Rights condemns the assault against a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent, who was later found dead in Lupi, Camarines Sur, in the course of performing his duty. He was later identified as Mr. Enrico Barba. While there are still questions on its means, in principle, CHR supports the goal of the government’s anti-drug campaign geared towards improving the lives of many Filipinos by curbing illegal sale and use of drugs in the country.

Hence, any attack on officers of the law is an attempt to cripple this goal. But equally important is on how this violation has resulted to the curtailment of the right to life, which, more often than not, has been the cost of this anti-drug drive. CHR-Region V shall also be investigating the case in the interest of helping serve justice for the said death.