NEWS




4September
Photo courtesy of Arangkada-Balita

Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission condemns killing of 9 civilians in Kabacan

The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission recently issued a statement strongly condemning the killing of nine civilians on Saturday (Aug 29) at Cabacan, Cotabato Province.
The statement said the killing does not only cause arbitrary deprivation of life but also undermines the security and safety of the people.
“We emphasize that the right to life is invaluable as enshrined in the United Declaration of Human Rights (UDHA)’ the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Philippine Constitution,” the BCHR said.

It added, “The Philippine Government, Bangsamoro Government, and the Local Government Units have the primary duty to secure the life and personal security of its citizens, thus the protection of individuals’ human rights to life and right to personal security are the basic obligation of every state,”

It was stressed that the killing in broad daylight in a provincial road exhibits failure to provide adequate protection to life and security. 
BHRC urges the government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the local government of Kabacan to provide appropriate protection assistance and services to the families of the victims in their demands for justice and rule of law.

The carnage drew condemnation from the civil society organizations, peace advocates and netizens.

In a report published by inquirer.net, it said that the nine victims were identified as Nasurdin Kalilangan, 41; Sandigan Zailon, 46; Benladin Dimanalao, 19; Zaiden Musaed, 21; Romeo Balatamay Pioto, 38; Esmael Pagayon, 17; Datu Fahad Dimanalao Mandigan, 24; Budsal Lipusan; and Nasher Guiaman, 17.