The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has mobilized its own personnel to assist the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) in the investigation of the ambush of Christhia Angela Aragoncillo, an official of the Ministry of Social Services and Development in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and the wounding of her colleague, Norhano Ado.

In a statement, the CHR expressed hopes that its joint probe with BHRC will help bring the perpetrators to account for the death of Aragoncillo, who was then 28 years old, and prevent similar incidents from taking place.

"CHR denounces the brazen violence and expresses deep concern on the safety and security of government workers in BARMM, who dedicate their lives to the betterment of their communities," the CHR said.

"This attack not only claimed the life of a young public servant but it is also an affront on the peace and development efforts in the area. Targeting social service workers can cause a chilling effect to development workers and disrupts the delivery of services direly needed in conflict-vulnerable communities in the region," it added.

Police reports stated that Aragoncillo and Ado were on their way home from work when their vehicle, a white Toyota Veloz, was attacked by gunmen along a highway in Barangay Semba in Datu Odin Sinsuat. Investigators said that Aragoncillo was the target of the attack as the gunmen pointed the gun towards her.

The CHR has acknowledged the swift response of local law enforcement agencies to resolve the attack made against Aragoncillo and Ado, and has urged the police to leave no stone unturned to ensure that justice is served.