MANILA, PHILIPPINES – On Tuesday, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) criticized the number of assaults that village officials have been the target of since last month.
The CHR said in a statement that more than ten people have been killed in seven ambushes. Gun Violence in Leyte, Philippines
- Roberto Carpio, a motorcycle rider, was killed by gunmen in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija.
- Lawrence Angco, the chair of Barangay Poblacion, died from nine gunshot wounds in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.
- Patricio Laude, the chair of Barangay Catmon, was shot and killed in Ormoc City, Leyte.
- Nollie Ramos, a barangay official, escaped an attack on February 7.
- Rolando Palacio, a councilor of Tabango, Leyte’s Barangay Sta. Rosa, was shot and killed on February 21.
- Five people were killed in a village hall attack on February 24.
- In Barangay Daja Diot, watchman Rusty Salazar, councilor Paulo Al Mindero, and barangay chair Elizalde Tabon died instantly.
- Two other people died in a hospital; identities are unknown.
The authorities still look at whether these acts were motivated by politics.
“The most fundamental right, the right to life itself, is immediately violated by the wave of attacks against barangay authorities.
According to the CHR, these violent crimes jeopardize not only the credibility of local governments but also the security and welfare of community leaders who put in great effort to serve their citizens.
It went on, “We demand a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into each of these heinous assaults, with the culprits swiftly identified and prosecuted in line with the law.”
For barangay officials to perform their duties fearlessly, the CHR recommended that authorities act proactively to enhance community security and safety.
It stressed that the ongoing acts of violence against these leaders may potentially impact voters’ decisions in the upcoming elections.
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