The Commission on Human Rights on Friday condemned the death of a 32-year-old Spanish national, Diego Bello Lafuente, who was shot dead in an alleged drug operation in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte by police last Jan. 28.
“The Commission maintains its position that the self-defense argument against Bello [Lafuente], and all other suspects who have been killed in drug-related encounters with the police, must be brought to the court,” she said.
“Under Philippine and international law, police are only allowed to use force as a last resort, and even then, can only do the bare minimum to prevent further loss of life,” she added.
The commission backed the demand of the victim’s family and friends for an autopsy to help shed light on the incident, and called on the Philippine National Police to uphold due process and ensure the integrity of all the evidence.
“The CHR is open to any collaboration with the Spanish government and is willing to extend any assistance that will aid in delivering justice for Bello’s death,” the CHR head said.
She said the agency would conduct its own probe and look into reports that extortion attempt by the police triggered the killing of Bello.
“The circumstances surrounding his death call for an independent investigation as police claim that Bello, a so-called high-value drug dealer, died in self-defense by firing his alleged .45-caliber pistol first against the authorities,” she said.
Amidst the continuing rising toll of extrajudicial killings in the country, the fight against illegal drugs has become a convenient cover for some unscrupulous members of the the PNP to commit crimes, such as extortion from business owners and other forms of corruption, the CHR said in a statement.
