The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) vehemently denounces the killings of the president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) and his driver in an ambush in Barangay Ligas, Malolos City, Bulacan. CHR Region 3 has already launched a Quick Response Operation (QRO) to take cognisance of the matter, mobilizing resources to aid in the investigation and extend support to the affected community.

Based on reports, Bulacan’s ABC President Ramil Capistrano and his 23-year-old driver, Shedrick Suarez, were traversing the service road of Barangay Ligas on board their SUV when a gunman approached and shot them, resulting in their tragic deaths. Capistrano had attended the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session at the Provincial Capitol before the ambush.

CHR acknowledges the effort of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3) in forming a Special Investigation Task Group to pursue an in-depth investigation into this incident.  We hope that this intensified effort will ensure swift justice for the victims and their families.

The gravity of such violent acts cannot be overstated, as they not only claim lives but also breed a culture of fear, undermining the fundamental right to life and security for all.

The CHR believes that incidents of this nature, particularly involving local officials, carry far-reaching implications for our democratic processes. When community leaders become targets of violence, it sends a chilling message that undermines public trust and disrupts social cohesion. As duty bearers, we cannot allow such attacks to desensitise the public or normalize violence in our communities. 

The Commission calls for a swift and just resolution of this case. Violence has no place in our society, and it is imperative that we protect those serving the community. The CHR remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard human rights, advocating for a society grounded in peace, democracy, and respect for equal political participation. ###