The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is already moving in its investigation on the death of two activists who was shot in what the police claimed to be a “shootout” after the victims allegedly “nanlaban” (fought back).

Based on reports, Jaymar Palero, 22, and Marlon Napire, 40, were caught by roving police spray painting a protest slogan, early Monday, 26 June 2021, in Guinobatan, Albay—hours before the President’s State of the Nation Address.

CHR is interested in ferreting out the truth after there are accounts that the two victims were claimed to be unarmed during the incident and that one of the victims, Jaymar, was said to have signs of torture.

Through our Regional Office in Region V, CHR has already been in touch with the Chief of Police of Guinobatan, who was since relieved of his post following the incident, and statements from the victims’ family have also been gathered. Emergency cash assistance has also been extended to facilitate the autopsy of the remains of Jaymar to probe into the allegations of torture.

Continuous attacks and deaths of activists remain to be a cause of concern for CHR. These incidents have repercussions on the people’s exercise of freedom of expression, and right to raise complaints and petition action from government without fear of punishment or reprisals. Arbitrary killing is also clear assault to a person’s right to life.

We welcome the action of the Department of Justice authorising the National Bureau of Investigation to also investigate these deaths. At the same time, we call on the government to move on its commitment to uphold the rights of all, including even those who express protests against government policies and actions. Dissent, after all, is part of a thriving democracy, which ought to be respected. CHR echoes its call to put an end to these killings and the prevailing climate impunity. We must assert the rule of law at all times in protection of the rights of all people. #ItigilAngPatayan