The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called anew for the protection and safety of vulnerable sectors, a responsibility that “requires the proactive efforts of the government, and cooperation of families and communities.”
CHR reacted to reported killings of a seven-year-old child in Manila, an elderly person with disability in Quezon City, and two senior citizens and an 11-year-old child in Bataan inside their homes.
Its National Capital Region and Region III offices are conducting independent motu propio investigations into the killings of the victims.
“The Commission recognizes the concerned local government units’ efforts to secure justice for the victims. As part of our investigation and monitoring efforts, we will coordinate closely with the local authorities to aid in the just resolution of these cases,” it said.
“We express vehement condemnation on these latest cases of violence that trample upon the right to life and safety of the cited vulnerable individuals. It is most concerning that the crimes were committed in the comfort of their own homes and the alleged perpetrators are those close to the victims. We expect exhaustive efforts from local authorities in ensuring justice for the victims and to ascertain accountability of perpetrators,” the agency added.
On Aug. 26 in Manila, Catherine Joy Lloren, seven, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital after allegedly being beaten to death by her father for failure to return his spare change.
On Sept. 7, the 61-year-old Marcelino Lacsamana was stabbed to death by his caregiver who happened to be a relative of Lacsamana’s partner in Barangay Kaligayahan, Quezon City.
Last Sept. 12 in Limay, Bataan, Rosita Lobaton, 70, and Marie Sampang, 60, were found dead with stab wounds, alongside the 11-year-old Reign Yog Sampang.
The crime was allegedly perpetrated by Marie’s former live-in partner, who earned his wrath for breaking up with him and evicting him from the house.