Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) — The European Union delegation to the Philippines welcomed the move of the national government to investigate the deaths of nine activists in Calabarzon over the weekend, but it also reminded the country of its commitment to hold all human rights violators liable.
“The Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines welcomes the announcement by the Government of the Philippines to investigate the killings of nine individuals by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 7 March 2021,” the EU delegation said in a statement. “Reports on the use of excessive force against unarmed individuals and alleged irregularities in the law enforcement operations have raised concerns.”
“We recall the commitment undertaken by the Philippines at the Human Rights Council to ensure accountability for human rights violations and abuses, in accordance with due process under national courts of the law and in full compliance with its international human rights obligations,” it added.
Malacañang earlier said the government is obligated to probe the killings, which happened during simultaneous police operations in the region last Sunday.
But the Palace maintained that President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to shoot and kill armed rebels is “legal.”
Police also claimed their operations were “legitimate” as the suspects carried explosives and assorted weapons with them.
Among those killed were Ugnayan ng Mamamayan Laban sa Pagwawasak ng Kalikasan at Kalupaan staff Chai Lemita-Evangelista and Ariel Evangelista, SIKKAD K3 members Michael Dasigao and Mark Lee Bacasno, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Cavite secretary general Manny Asuncion, and Dumagat tribe leaders Puroy dela Cruz and Randy dela Cruz.
The United Nations on Wednesday also expressed concern over the incident, which also led to the arrest of six others.
