The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its office in Region VII, has started its own probe on the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) of Ericson Acosta and Joseph Jimenez, two advocates of peasant rights.
Acosta was a consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and an award-winning writer, while his companion, Joseph Jimenez, was a member of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP).
The CHR said that based on reports and the statement issued by Karapatan Negros chapter, Acosta and Jimenez were taken alive by personnel of the 94th and 47th Infantry Battalions of the Philippine Army in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi in Kabankalan City on Nov. 30 at about 2 a.m.
It said the two were later reported as casualties in an alleged encounter with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and their bodies bore stab wounds.
The CHR also said that aside from the killings of Acosta and Jimenez, the house of a civilian named Ronald Francisco was strafed by soldiers. His wife and three children were reportedly brought to the headquarters of the 47th Infantry Battalion.
It said the AFP, for its part, said that the claims were "propaganda to cover up for their tactical defeat to discredit the AFP."
"It is expedient to probe the truth and deliver justice in all allegations of arbitrary killings that desecrate the right to life," the CHR said in a statement.
It said: "As the State has the prime duty to protect life, CHR expects a parallel probe by the concerned authorities. We also request the cooperation of the AFP to ensure the conduct of a swift and impartial investigation."
It stressed that it will continue to voice out against the deaths and arbitrary arrests of activists since these are violations that further entrench the climate of fear and impunity.
"In line with the government's unity agenda and crucial to the rebuilding process, we harp again our fervent clamor for equal protection and respect for the rights of all, regardless of socio-political affiliations and ideological beliefs," it said.
TAGS: #CHR #EJKs #Acosta of NDF