MANILA – The United Nations (UN) was alarmed over the series of police operations in Calabarzon region that killed nine activists and arrested six others.
In a press briefing on Wednesday (Philippine time), UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said the apparent arbitrary killing of nine activists in simultaneous police-military operations are “appalling.”
“We are deeply worried that these latest killings indicate an escalation in violence, intimidation, harassment, and ‘red-tagging’ of human rights defenders,” said Shamdasani.
“Philippine security force raids that killed nine activists highlight the need for United Nations member countries to decisively address the worsening human rights situation in the Philippines,” she added.
Shamdasani, however, acknowledged the national government’s move to investigate the killings as it underscored the need for a “prompt, transparent, and effective” investigation that conforms to international standards.
The UN official also urged the policemen to prevent the use of excessive force during law enforcement operations, which may result to deaths, just like in the series of police raids in Calabarzon.
“We also call on the Government and members of the security forces to refrain from rhetoric that may lead to violations, and instead make public commitments to uphold human rights and the rule of law,” she said.
Seven of the nine casualties in the simultaneous raid in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal provinces were identified by human rights group Karapatan as members of progressive and indigenous groups.
The Palace assured the public that an investigation on the deaths of the activists in Calabarzon is ongoing. However it said that President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to shoot and kill armed rebels is “legal”./PN
