The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) launched a Quick Response Operation for an independent motu proprio investigation on the brazen ambush of Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and his five aides on 19 February 2023 in Nueva Vizcaya.
According to initial police reports, the victims were allegedly attacked in broad daylight by six armed men posing as police. The perpetrators reportedly blocked the highway using a school barricade then proceeded to shoot the victims with heavy firearms. The attack resulted in the death of the victims.
The Commission continues to condemn any form of attack against anyone’s right to life. No reason can justify actions intended to arbitrarily deprive a person of their life or violate any of their rights.
We welcome the directive of Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident toward determining the persons behind the ambush. We hope that CHR’s independent investigation can also help attaining truth and justice for the victims.
CHR stresses the importance of holding perpetrators to account. Ensuring the rule of law is essential in ending the cycle of senseless bloodshed and violence, as well as in addressing instances that worsens the climate of impunity in the country. ###