CHR strongly condemns the brutal killing of four policemen in Negros Oriental on Thursday afternoon, 18 July 2019.

Four policemen were ambushed by armed men at Barangay Mabato in Ayungon town in Negros Oriental. Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas, director of Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), said that the four policemen were verifying the reported presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area when they were attacked by rebels. The initial report by Major Leo Logronio of Regional Mobile Battalion Force Region VII said that the four policemen succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds which caused their instant deaths.

These heinous acts committed against law enforcement are emboldened by the country’s ever growing culture of violence and impunity. To combat it, we call on the government to help ensure that due process be followed in identifying and bringing the perpetrators to account.

CHR would like to extend its deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Furthermore, CHR’s Regional Office in Region VII will coordinate with the local authorities to help bring justice to the victim’s families.