The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) "vigorously condemned" the killing of two members of the Anakpawis group in Sorsogon last Jan. 15.
Those killed have been identified as Rosemarie Galias, 68, and Silvestre Fortades Jr., 70. Reports stated that they were killed by four motorcycle-riding gunmen in Barcelona, Sorsogon.
"The murder of the elderly political activist couple is the beginning of state murders in the presidential election campaign period, and must be vigorously condemned," said ICHRP Chairperson Peter Murphy.
"Our heart goes out to the families and comrades of these two martyrs of the people’s cause," he said.
The ICHRP, a global network of various organizations investigating the human rights situation in the Philippines, has also expressed grave concern that the " terrible repression" faced by students, peasants, workers, and human rights organizations in Sorsogon and the Bicol region will intensify this year because of the election season.
The ICHRP reported that there were 60 political killings in Bicol out of a total of 421 nationwide up to Aug. 2021 since the start of the current administration. There were also 43 political prisoners from the region, 10 of whom are women.