The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday, Jan. 13, decided to conduct its own investigation into the killing of Sultan Kudarat-based radio commentator Jaynard Angeles in Tacurong City last Jan. 12.
“It is concerning how this incident has occurred just days after the start of the official election season on 09 January 2022,” CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia lamented.
Angeles was a candidate for councilor in his hometown of Lambayong in Sultan Kudarat. He was gunned down by still unidentified assailant while he was in an automobile repair shop at about 10 a.m. last Jan. 12.
De Guia said the election-related violence and the killing of journalists “create a chilling effect on Philippine society and prevents the peaceful discourse of ideas in the runup towards elections.”
Angeles was known for his hard-hitting commentaries on his “Tinig ng Bayan” program over Radyo ni Juan.
De Guia said the CHR is urging the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) to take cognizance of this incident and exert all efforts, together with the Philippine National Police, to expedite the probe on the killing of Angeles.
“Urgently address and anticipate media harassment and election-related violence as we near election day,” she said.