The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has vowed to seek justice for the rape and killing of a 15-year-old girl, who was last seen alive with a barangay tanod (village watchman) in Batangas last Nov. 8..
In a statement, the CHR condemned the gruesome death of the minor as it extended its condolences to the family of the victim.
Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said: “The CHR will also be doing its own independent investigation to aid in seeking truth and justice for this violation of a child’s rights and dignity.”
Based on reports, the lifeless body of the minor was discovered in a forested area in Barangay Sta. Maria in the evening of Nov. 8. The minor was reportedly found naked and her clothes were placed on her head. Her school module was beside her.
Following her death, the police arrested last Nov. 9 a barangay tanod who was last seen with the minor the day she vanished. He, however, denied any involvement in the killing of the minor.
A lone witness positively identified the barangay tanod as the only person who accompanied the slain minor.
Police investigators said the slain victim just went out to visit her classmate, but she did not return home.
De Guia reminded the government: “Children are entitled to our utmost care and protection as one of the vulnerable sectors in our population.”
“At the same time, protecting the rights of the children remains to be a shared, collective goal regardless of position, power, and filiation,” she said.
Meanwhile, the CHR has welcomed the commitment of Philippine National Police on the ongoing probe on the minor’s death.