The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) denounced the suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) attack on a group of residents harvesting their farm products in Barangay Igasan, Patikul, Sulu on October 5.
The shooting resulted in the death of a Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team member identified as Tali Lakibul.
“We denounce the terrorist act and the alleged retaliation of the local terrorist group against the residents of Patikul due to their declaration of the ASG as persona non grata,” CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.
The CHR also extended its deepest condolences to the family of the slain peacekeeping member. It added its concerned Regional Office would be conducting an independent investigation regarding the alleged Abu Sayyaf members’ attack.
“The Commission also reiterates the need to protect civilians at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law,” said de Guia. “Similarly, we support civilian-led and multi-sectoral efforts to attain peace in their respective communities, such as the signing of the People’s Peace Covenant in various towns in Sulu this year.”
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CHR denounces Abu Sayyaf attack on civilians in Sulu
Last month, the Indanan local government in Sulu province had declared the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf as persona non grata in their communities.
The Indanan LGU also expressed its full support to the government forces’ battle against terrorism.
“We are declaring these terrorists as persona non grata here in Indanan, and we vow to support the military, police, and other security agencies in bringing lasting peace and progress in our beloved municipality,” Mayor Hermot Jikiri said.
Meanwhile, Sulu governor Abdusakur Tan hoped that the province could soon achieve long-lasting peace through the covenant.
“We need to gain the people’s support because, in unity, there is strength. Let us take what President Carter once said, ‘With the people, you can never lose; without the people you can never win,’” Tan said.
Peace could be attained if “we will let synergy work out and bring forth significant breakthroughs,” said WestMinCom commander Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan.