The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is gravely concerned on the reported incident of former CHR Chair and Senator Leila De Lima being held hostage today, 9 October 2022, at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center by three other detainees. 

While initial information reaching CHR share that Senator De Lima is now safe, it puts into serious question the safety of Senator De Lima, as well as other detainees in the said detention facility. 

CHR similarly notes that the three prisoners under police custody who allegedly tried to escape and held Senator De Lima as hostage also died in the incident. They were later identified as Arnel Cabintoy, Idang Susukan, and Feliciano Sulayao Jr, all of whom were said to be members of Abu Sayyaf. 

We note the swift action by the police personnel in duty in addressing the hostage situation and hopes for the recovery of  duty personnel, PCpl Roger Agustin, and another wounded detainee, Jonathan Carpio.

CHR has already dispatched a Quick Response Operation from CHR NCR for a motu proprio  investigation of the case in the interest of finding out the truth and possible accountabilities following this hostage incident and subsequent deaths in the PNP Custodial Center. ###