The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has decided to conduct its own investigation on two violent attacks against students in Zamboanga City and Agoncillo town in Batangas.

In a statement, the CHR expressed its "grave concern over these incidents, which not only endanger the safety and well-being of the youth but also undermine their fundamental rights."

"It is particularly distressing to note that both victims are young girls. Upholding the rights of every Filipino, especially girls and children, is integral to our collective vision of a just and secure society," it said.

The CHR said the first incident involved a 19-year old student who was found in an unoccupied lot, bound with packaging tape around her head, hands, and feet in Zamboanga City last April 15. 

Zamboanga City Police said that the victim was forced into a van in Barangay San Roque. Upon discovery, the student was immediately brought to the hospital to attend to her injuries and for further assessment, it said.

The second incident involved a 13-year-old student who was shot in the head while walking on her way to school in Agoncillo, Batangas last April 17. Policemen are now conducting a backtracking investigation to identify the perpetrator, it also said.

While the CHR noted the immediate response of the police in the two students' cases, it has also upheld its mandate of protecting the rights of all by conducting its own probe regarding the separate incidents.

"It is imperative to address violence targeting all segments of society, especially safeguarding the welfare of girls and children. We enjoin the government in establishing policies and reforms that will further protect the children's welfare and ensure that they are able to pursue a future free from any harm," the CHR stressed.