The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has ordered an investigation into the death of a 15-year-old boy who was allegedly beaten by a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) official and his companion in Manila.
“The CHR-NCR (National Capital Region) has launched a motu proprio (on one's initiative) investigation to address the matter,” the commission said in a statement Tuesday, Nov. 12.
The Manila police already has in its custody the two suspects who were identified as SK Kagawad Mark Jhorell Dela Cruz, 18, and his companion Irineo Cardanio, 23.
The two allegedly mauled to death a 15-year-old boy they confronted in Barangay (village) 894 Punta in Sta. Ana, Manila last Oct. 25
“Based on reports, the incident was captured on closed-circuit television (CCTV), showing the victim being chased, cornered, and repeatedly beaten, resulting in severe injuries that ultimately led to his death despite immediate medical intervention," said the commission.
“The senseless loss of a young life under such circumstances is deeply alarming and raises serious concerns, particularly given that one of the accused perpetrators is an elected official and youth leader in the community,” the CHR stressed as it condemned the incident.
Meanwhile, the commission has called on local authorities and the Philippine National Police (PNP) “to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.”
“Furthermore, we call upon the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to take cognisance of the elected SK official’s alleged involvement, ensuring that accountability is pursued and due process is observed,” it urged.
For its part, the CHR has offered “to extend any possible assistance to the family of the victim in the pursuit of justice.”