The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses concern over the death of Fourth Class Jonash Bondoc, a 19-year old Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) cadet, in Zambales City due to punches on the chest.

Despite the confession of the suspect, also a cadet, that he was responsible for the death of his colleague and it was meant to be a “farewell” gesture or “lambing” (expression of affection), the Commission denounces the violence that happened within the premises of a higher education institution.

The CHR is calling on the administrators and authorities to ensure that such cruel incident shall never happen again inside PMMA, and to guarantee that the full enjoyment of rights of students, especially the protection of right to life, is observed in school campuses. The institution is also reminded that it is obliged by law to protect peace, safety and security of the students at all times and must put mechanisms in place to avoid this senseless death.

Schools, universities, and similar institutions should be a place where our youth are given an opportunity for a better future, not where dreams and lives end. For the protection of the other students, CHR, through its office in Region III, shall be launching an independent probe.

We express our deepest condolences to the family of the victim and hope that a through investigation by law enforcement authorities on the case will also be launched to ensure the full delivery of justice for the fallen cadet. ###