The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly denounces the killing of five (5) police officers by alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Labo, Camarines Norte. The right to life is inviolable; no ideology can justify any atrocity and disproportionate attack by any armed group.

We express our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims. CHR Region V is already conducting a probe to ensure justice for the fallen cops. We also call on all concerned agencies to work together to ensure that perpetrators are held to account and to prevent further hostilities on the ground.

In a similar vein, we strongly condemn the alleged use of teenage soldiers in Iloilo by the NPA. This necessitates immediate probe from concerned authorities as our CHR-Region VI also simultaneously conducts investigation.

Amid the pandemic that compounds the vulnerability of conflict-ridden communities, we reiterate the importance of pursuing peaceful and lawful ways to tackle long-standing issues for healing and recovery to take place. #ItigilAngPatayan