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09 MARCH 2009
CHR CHAIPERSON LEILA DE LIMA ON THE DEATH OF REBELYN AND PNP HAZING IN NAGA:
Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Leila M. De Lima today immediately issued two (2) directives to the independent constitutional body's Regional Offices in Davao and Bicol.
The twin directives were sent this morning to Region 11 Director Atty. Alberto B. Sipaco ordering for an all-out investigation in the killing of Rebelyn Pitao, daughter of Leonardo Pitao, alias Commander Parago, an official of the New People's Army (NPA) in Davao del Norte.
The Commission on Human Rights, according to Chairperson De Lima cannot imagine how these things happen even in the broad daylight without anybody feeling sorry for the plight of his fellowmen. Rebelyn, a young teacher, was reported abducted by unidentified gunmen in Davao City last March 4. She was found the next day, her lifeless body floating in a river in Carmen town in nearby Davao del Norte province, with several stab wounds in her chest.
“We sincerely empathize with the family of Rebelyn. But more than the sympathy in our hearts, this spate of killings should stop and said conditions should really alarm not only the rights Commission but all of us who believe that each of us deserves to live in a peaceful society with our dignity intact. I cannot imagine how she (Rebelyn) died and probably struggled to fight and preserve her right to life. Being a daughter of an NPA leader should in no way be a reason for the perpetrators to inflict harm on her or t anybody else for that matter, “a visibly disturbed De Lima said.
The CHR chief stressed that these scenarios should not occur, not in Davao , or any remote area in the province or even in Metro Manila or any part of the country or universe as well because people must co-exist with one another regardless of their beliefs and ideologies.
In the meantime, Chairperson De Lima likewise issued another directive to Region V Director Atty. Pelagio P. Señar to investigate the reported PNP “hazing” in Albay.
“We never learned from the tragedies of people who died of hazing activity. These individuals whose deaths can be considered as 'worthless.' Isn't it ironic that all they (the trainees) wanted is to be “part” in what they think a “decent” PNP organization whose objective is to serve and protect the people.
“If they themselves experience brutality while on training, what would you expect them to do once they already have the legitimate means to hold position in the PNP or any organization? Definitely “hazing” should not be used as passport to enter any organization especially the police force for it has no no place in a civil society. The activity is already `outdated' and must be condemned because the so-called `initiation' cannot measure a person's worth to be part of any organization,” Chairperson De Lima said.
The CHR head said she expects a comprehensive report from the Regional office anytime this week. She also encourages witnesses in the said CHR offices to fully cooperate with the investigation for the early resolution of the cases.
On March 30-31, 2009 , the CHR Composite Team headed by the Chairperson herself will conduct public hearing/consultations in Davao City in relation to the reported summary killings allegedly committed by the Davao Death Squad (DDS).
The CHR top official will be joined by members of the 4 th Commission, CHR lawyers, investigators from the Central Office to complement the workforce in Region 11.