conduct should r u n as golden threads through society, to the end that law may
approach its supreme ideal, which is the sway and dominance of justice." (Ibid.)
T h e Commission on H u m a n Rights totally detests these i n h u m a n practice
of s u m m a r y execution committed against our helpless brothers especially those
who belong to
Bayan Muna, Anak Pawis, Gabriella and other alUed
organizations.
I f this arbitrary taking of precious lives would continue without being
restrained by the government, worse if the killings were done by the government
itself, it will not be long when the democracy fought for by our heroes slip our
hands a n d we will be ruled by chaos and anarchy.
T h e conduct of an inquiry specifically relating to this issue could not be on
a more better time. A stop must be placed on this series summary execution
committed by those who think they are above the law. Violations of these k i n d
deserves the most severe punishment to serve as deterrent against those who, in
the future, may be tempted to take the law into their own hands.
W e call on the government, especially the P N P , the D N D and the A F P , to
conduct the necessary investigations regarding these killings and to report
violations covering the same. Further, we ask that these law enforcers furnish
copies of the said investigations to the Commission on H u m a n Rights.
Sadly, the reported offenders belong to their ranks. W e remind them,
however, that their primary duty under the 1986 Philippine Constitution is the
" p r o t e c t i o n o f tlie p e o p l e a n d t h e State" (Section 3, Article I I ) . While the
A r m e d Forces may be tempted to feign and simulate the truth or to put the law
into their own hands i n order to protect and show loyalty to their ranks, we say
again that their paramount duty is to the welfare of the citizens of the State and to
the rule of law.
Finally, under the same Article I I , specifically under Section 11 of our
Constitution, it is stated that,
" T h e State v a l u e s t h e dignity o f every h u m a n p e r s o n
a n d g u a r a n t e e s full r e s p e c t for h u m a n r i g h t s . "
W i t h this in m i n d , no justification will rationalize these indiscriminate
killings against members of Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Gabriella and other allied
organizations whose groups are considered legitimate under Phihppine L a w s .
July 8,2005.
FICACION C. V A L M A
Chairperson
QUISUMBING
/^"'^^
DOMIK
Q
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