Denouncing any form of violence perpetrated by law enforcers, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauded the conviction of four policemen who killed a father and his son during an illegal drugs operation in Caloocan City in 2016.
Convicted of homicide by Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Judge Ma. Rowena Violago Alejandria last June 18 were P/Msgt. Virgilio Q. Cervantes, P/Cpl. Arnel De Guzman, P/Cpl. Johnston M. Alacre and P/Cpl. Artemio Saguros Jr. for the killing of Luis Saldana Bonifacio and his 19-year-old son Gabriel on Sept. 15, 2016.
The policemen were sentenced to a prison term ranging from six years, eight months and 21 days to 10 years. They were also held solidarily liable to pay the heirs of the victims P100,000 in actual damages; P100,000 in civil indemnity; P100,000 in moral damages; and P100,000 in temperate damages.
In a statement, the CHR said it “denounces any form of violence, particularly when perpetrated by those entrusted with the duty to protect all citizens, especially the vulnerable individuals from the poor sector.”
It pointed out that “unjustified killings committed by law enforcers are not only blatant violations of the law but also manifest grave abuse of authority and transgress against the principles of humanity and the right to life.”
It said the Caloocan City RTC’s decision “is a significant step towards achieving justice and accountability for the victims of human rights violations in relation to the anti-drug campaign of the previous administration.”
“We hope that this ruling will signal the start of sustained and consistent progress in addressing the serious human rights violations associated with these operations,” it also said.
It also pointed out: “The RTC ruling highlights the importance of respect for human rights, due process, and the rule of law, in any campaign, including in the pursuit of crime prevention and drug control. Only by respecting fundamental human rights can we achieve genuine peace and order and true justice in our society.”
At the same time, the CHR expressed it full support to the ongoing committee hearings at the House of Representatives on the reported cases of extra-judicial killings (EJKs) during the drugs operations of the previous administration.
“These deaths represent far more than mere statistics; they represent the loss of individual lives and the impact of violence on families and communities. It is imperative that we continue to sound the alarm; ensure that their stories are heard and acted upon; and, that such injustice will not be repeated,” it said.
“We remain hopeful that these comprehensive deliberations will lead to more prosecutions and deliver justice to the many families devastated by these unlawful acts,” it added.