THE COMMISSION on Human Rights will be conducting separate investigations on the killings of a minor in Laguna and a 12-year-old Lumad in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

“CHR is deeply concerned with the news on another death of a minor —  this time involving a 16-year-old boy who allegedly fought back (nanlaban) when police officers were serving a warrant for a drug charge in Biñan, Laguna,” CHR Spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

“We shall be conducting our own independent probe on this incident to pursue the truth behind the incident, and more importantly, in pursuit of justice should be proven that human rights violation was perpetrated by the police,” she added.

Based on the official report of the Philippine National Police in Calabarzon, victims Johndy Maglinte, 16, and companion Antonio Dalit exchanged shots with the Laguna police when they were serving a warrant for the duo.

However, Maglinte’s family claimed Johndy was only killed after witnessing police officers shooting Dalit. They added the cops handcuffed Johndy and dragged him to a marsh where he was killed.

De Guia urged the government to speed up its investigations on cases of alleged extrajudicial killings, especially those linked to its anti-drug campaign.

“Our government has the primary obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of all. It is to the best interest of the government as well to demonstrate that lapses are firmly and urgently addressed and that reforms are also underway to allay concerns of the international community on the effectiveness of our domestic justice and accountability mechanisms,” she said.

In a separate statement, De Guia also said their office in the Caraga region will dispatch an investigation team to look into the violent death of three indigenous people allegedly perpetrated by the military.

“Under the international humanitarian law, the principle of distinction between civilians and combatants must be observed at all times,” she said.

“More so, IHL provides protection for children as persons not taking part in hostilities and as persons who are particularly vulnerable. It is also concerning that there are allegations that female victims were sexually assaulted as well,” she added.

Willy Rodriguez, Lenie Rivas, and 12-year-old Angel Rivas died when members of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army clashed with alleged New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga town.

Maj. Rodulfo Cordero, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, maintained the three were NPA members.