The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has commended the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for filing murder charges and starting the preliminary investigation, respectively, against 17 policemen allegedly involved in the reported killings of activists Ariel Evangelista and wife Ana Mariz during the so-called “Bloody Sunday” raids in Southern Tagalog provinces on March 7, 2021.
Charged by the NBI were 17 policemen who were detailed with the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Region IV-A.
Those charged with murder were PLt.Col. Joseph Nandu Jr., PLt. Arjay Santos, PMSg. Rafael Roque, PMSg. Mark Tolentino, PSSg. Elvern Cacatian, PSSg. Rodel Sillacay, PSSg. Edgar Brinas, PCpl. Aldrin Gabrillo, PCpl. Allen Lugue, Pat. Julio Bautista, Pat. Ray Boom Boom Dalingay, Pat. Grizzly Paras, Pat. Rogelio Ninolla, Pat. Ruel Tenoso, Pat. Rich John Melniel Tumacder, Pat. Renzo Santos, and Pat. Mark Lester Padul.
Reports stated that the Evangelista couple were killed in Nasugbu, Batangas while policemen were serving search warrants against them.
They were members of the fisherfolk group UMALPAS-KA and were among the nine activists killed in simultaneous police and military operations held in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal.
The CHR said that based on the NBI complaint, there were lapses in the procedure of arrest committed by the officers involved.
“CHR stresses that the government must continue to investigate questionable deaths and attacks against activists, human rights defenders, and individuals, including allegations of extrajudicial killings being linked to the government's drugs campaign,” Spokesperson and lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.
“Mere filing of charges is insufficient to serve the ends of truth and justice. The wheels of justice must turn in favor of the rule of law,” De Guia said.
She pointed out that “every instance of killing must be thoroughly and impartially investigated, especially if it reportedly involves state agents since this will ensure that the human rights of all will be upheld and respected.”
To solve impunity, the CHR stressed that the government must show transparency at all times. “In the end, no perpetrator must be spared the full force of the law,” De Guia stressed.