The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns and calls for immediate investigation of the recent killing incidents in the country, including the assassination of a lawyer in Bukidnon and a barangay captain in Davao Occidental; shooting of a police officer in Cabuyao City, three soldiers and one civilian in Lanao del Norte; and the killing of two newly freed prisoners in Quiapo, Manila. The victims were all gunned down in broad daylight by still unidentified assailants.

The CHR has long been asserting that arbitrary deprivations of life constitute serious human rights violations and that the failure of the State to prevent loss of life and hold perpetrators accountable is a threat to a functioning rule of law.

The State is obligated to investigate every situation involving a violation of the rights protected in our Constitution, most importantly the right to life. Likewise, it must not allow private persons or groups to act freely and with impunity to the detriment of the rights of any person.

These brazen killings are consequences of the normalised culture of violence and impunity that our society continues to tolerate. Pronouncements coming from public officials that encourage and embolden citizens to put justice in their own hands and transgress other people’s basic human rights must be denounced at all levels. These remarks only foster a community of violence and fear instead of building an environment where peace and order can flourish.

The CHR regional offices will launch independent probes on the cases to give light to these violations. We look forward to the cooperation of the proper authorities in the course of our investigations in pursuit of exacting justice and accountability for such transgressions.