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PNP probes death of human rights activist in Bacolod City

Philippines | National

PNP probes death of human rights activist in Bacolod City

By Aaron Recuenco

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a thorough investigation behind the killing of a female human rights activist in Bacolod City Monday night.

(Bacolod City Police / MANILA BULLETIN)

Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, director of the Western Visayas regional police, said his instruction is to determine the real motive behind the attack on Sarah Rebuton Alvarez who was gunned down at Ereco Subdivision in Bacolod City at around 7 p.m.

The 39-year old Alvarez was a paralegal of militant human rights group Karapatan-Negros Island and likewise a research and advocacy officer of the Negros Island Health Integrated Program.

In a statement, Karapatan said Alvarez was a teacher and single parent.

“She was the 13th human rights worker from Karapatan killed under the Duterte administration,” the statement read.

Pamuspusan said the Police Station 3 received a report about the shooting from the barangay councilor.

“According to the local residents, they heard six gunshots and when they went out, they discovered the victim. She died on the spot,” said Pamuspusan, quoting a report from local investigators.

The death of Alvarez occurred the very day peace consultant and agricultural reform advocate Randy Echanis was buried. Echanis was stabbed to death inside his rented apartment in Quezon City.

Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said Alvarez had been receiving threats before she was gunned down.

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