The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the recommendation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) – AO 35 Special Investigation Team to file a murder complaint against law enforcement agents involved in the death of Emmanuel “Manny” Asuncion, a labor leader in Cavite. Asuncion is among the nine (9) activists killed in the simultaneous police-military raids in Southern Luzon on 7 March 2021, which was dubbed as “Bloody Sunday.”

The indictment is a step towards achieving justice and ensuring accountability. The pursuit for justice continues and we expect updates and developments on the other victims of the Bloody Sunday raids. CHR notes that DOJ will also release its report on the death of couple Chai and Ariel Evangelista, activists for fisherfolks rights, in two weeks.

It is expedient that the government will ensure accountability and justice for each death and other alleged cases of extrajudicial killings to demonstrate seriousness in fighting the pervading climate of impunity. We hope that this development will provide the momentum to propel more actions that can show government’s regard for life and adherence to the rule of law.

CHR also reiterates our repeated plea for the adequate protection of activists and human rights defenders. As we observe National Human Rights Consciousness Week, we hope that more tangible efforts will be done to reduce violence on the ground and prevent further attacks against activists and advocates of human rights.