Another human rights activist was killed in Bacolod City by unidentified gunmen on the same day peasant activist Randy Echanis was laid to rest, Monday.
The victim was identified as Zara Alvarez, a paralegal for the human rights group Karapatan. She was reportedly killed in a private village in Bacolod city, around 6:45 pm on Monday.
Cristina Palabay, Karapatan spokesperson, confirmed the killing of Zara Alvarez in a Facebook post. Alvarez also served as the group’s campaign and education director.
“We are in deep grief and indignation. Today, we laid to rest Ka Randy Echanis, one of those who helped established Karapatan and staunch peacebuilder and land rights defender. Tonight, we learned of the sad news that our former campaign and education director and paralegal in Negros, Zara Alvarez, was killed in Bacolod City,” she said.
Palabay added that the 39-year-old human rights activities “was imprisoned for nearly two years and after her release, she continued to work as Karapatan’s paralegal and as research and advocacy officer of the Negros Island Health Integrated Program (NIHIP).”
“We will honor Zara’s legacy as a passionate, selfless and dedicated human rights worker, by continuing the struggle for realization of people’s rights,” said Palabay.
Also read: Makabayan lawmakers want probe on Randy Echanis killing
Human rights activist shot dead in Bacolod City
Palabay added that Alvarez was included as among those tagged as “terrorists” in the proscription case of the Department of Justice filed in 2018. “Her name and that of many others were stricken off the list, but the threats against her by alleged State forces continued,” she said.
“We extend our condolences to Zara’s family and friends, as we and many other colleagues mourn the killing of a beloved human rights and health worker. We will never relent in pursuing justice for Zara, Ka Randy, and all victims of extrajudicial killings,” Palabay added.
Edre Olalia, National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers President, also condemned the killing of human rights activist Zara Alvarez.
“It seems vocal and effective human rights defenders, activists and critics are being slayed one after the other with brazenness and audacious impunity. The obvious intent is to sow terror. The grief and rage continues,” he said.