The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) mourns the passing of its Chairperson Jose Luis Martin “Chito” C. Gascon on Saturday morning, Oct. 9, due to complications spawned by COVID-19 infection.
“Chair Chito will be deeply missed. We ask for prayers for the eternal repose of his soul,” CHR said in a statement.
It said further announcement on the details of Chairperson Gascon’s memorial will be made with due consideration to the restrictions of the pandemic.
It also said the CHR will continue to function with Commissioner Karen Gomez Dumpit as the officer-in-charge.
Paying tribute to its chairperson who was appointed in 2015, the CHR said:
“At a time of unprecedented human rights challenges, Chair Chito courageously and steadfastly upheld the constitutional mandate of the Commission.
“Amidst the unrelenting attacks against the institution and to him personally, he was unwavering and unflinching in fighting for the universal values of freedom, truth, and justice that are essential in the pursuit of human rights.
“He was undaunting in the fight for human rights, rule of law, and democracy out of deep reverence to the equal rights and dignity of all.
“His leadership in the Commission has inspired and nurtured a culture of enabling, empowering, and safe environment that move CHR personnel to always serve with genuine compassion or Serbisyong may Malasakit, utmost integrity, and excellence.
“He impressed upon the CHR personnel and fellow human rights workers the impact and value of our work especially to those who have it least.”
The CHR vowed to continue “the human rights work with equal fervor and sincerity that Chair Chito exemplified in his work.”
In a Facebook post, Chairperson Gascon‘s brother, Miguel, said:
“Sa dami mong Laban, sa COVID pa tayo natalo! Love you, Kuya! RIP Chito Gascon (In your many fights, it is in COVID that we lost the battle. I love you, big brother. Rest in Peace, Chito Gascon),” Miguel posted, tagging the late chairperson’s Facebook account.