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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHR laments slow justice in Fabel Pineda rape and murder case

CHR laments slow justice in Fabel Pineda rape and murder case

Published Jan 18, 2021 01:33 pm

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) criticized the slow and elusive pursuit of justice in the case of 15-year-old Fabel Pineda, who was killed by police officers in Ilocos Sur six months ago.

Pineda and her cousin, Bernadette Saniatan, attended a friend's party in San Juan, Ilocos Sur, on June 27. Because they allegedly violated curfew, two policemen offered to take them home. However, they were taken to a beach where Pineda was sexually molested while Saniatan was raped.

After filing a complaint against the two policemen, the girls were ambushed and Pineda was shot dead. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has condemned the act and vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable.

CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said that the wheels of justice seemed to have stopped turning.

"Contrary to the misleading news claiming that the implicated officers facing administrative charges were already relieved from their duties, only Police Staff Sergeant (PSSg) Randy V. Ramos was dismissed from service, while PSSg Marawi U. Torda was exonerated due to lack of sufficient evidence," she said.

Both suspects are currently in restrictive custody under the PNP Regional Office while their murder and attempted murder cases are still on trial.

The CHR is calling on both the PNP and DOJ for the speedy resolution of the case and urged authorities to let their law enforcement officials know that abuse of power shall never be tolerated or excused.

"Impunity for police abuse often leads to a deadly cycle of violence that needs utmost denunciation across the board," said De Guia.

The case of Pineda and her cousin exposed the realities faced by women and girls in the country who are allegedly raped or sexually abused by persons in authority or while under police custody.

"All too often, they are silenced and threatened to withdraw any complaint against their perpetrators due to fear of retaliation. Such incidents are a clear betrayal of public trust by the same people who have sworn oaths to protect its citizens," De Guia said.

The CHR has already launched an independent investigation and the CHR Regional Office I has confirmed that there were indeed human rights violations committed by the police officers.

The CHR said it will closely monitor the cases filed before the DOJ against the two officers and also ensure the provision of financial assistance to the families of Pineda and her cousin so that they can continue pursuing the case.

"The CHR hopes that the PNP remains faithful to its earlier commitment to swiftly deliver justice and carry out reforms within the institution to produce morally-upright and credible policemen who can genuinely maintain peace and order in the community," said De Guia.

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