CHR condemns slay of NPA leader Pitao’s sister

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairman Leila de Lima has condemned the killing of the sister of a ranking communist leader and urged witnesses to come forward to shed light on the case.

“The Commission condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the extra-judicial killing of Evelyn Verano, the sister of alleged New People’s Army (NPA) leader Leoncio Pitao, alias Commander Parago, whose late daughter, Rebelyn Pitao, was also the victim of extra-judical killing,” De Lima said in a statement.

She asked those who will be summoned by the CHR investigating panel to cooperate in the public inquiry, particularly members of the Armed Forces.

Citing the ongoing probe in Rebelyn Pitao’s case, De Lima noted with dismay that some of the military personnel named to be allegedly involved in the abduction and killing of Pitao have yet to appear and cooperate in the public inquiry, the latest of which was held at the Waterfront Hotel in Davao City last May 21.

“The killing of innocent civilians can never be justified by either national security, if conducted pursuant to the administration’s policy to fight enemies of the State, or political ideology, if resorted to by rebel groups to purge its ranks of erring members,” De Lima said.

Earlier, United Nations Special Rapporteur Philip Alston blasted President Arroyo’s government for failing to put an end to extra-judicial killings in the country, which he said has decreased in recent years, but has continued due to the lack of substantial measures by the government to address the problem.

During last week’s session at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Alston reiterated that not a single member of the Philippine military, whom he earlier blamed for many killings and forced disappearances in the country, has been prosecuted.

It is one of the strongest international rebukes to date of the dismal human rights record of the Arroyo government, which Philippine officials contend has improved but human rights watchdogs continue to view with alarm.

But while current levels are significantly lower than before, Alston said “they still remain a cause for great alarm, and reflect the failure to make the recommended structural reforms.” –Michaela P. del Callar, Daily Tribune