ILOILO City – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Region 6 will conduct a motu proprio probe into the case of Atty. Angelo Karlo Guillen who was stabbed by four masked men on General Luna Street here on Wednesday evening.
“We will determine if there’s human rights violation kag basi makabulig man kami sa police kon ano ang mabal-an or madiskubrehan namon,” said Atty. Jonnie Dabuco, CHR-6 director.
Guillen is one of the counsels in the petitions questioning the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 before the Supreme Court and the assistant vice president for Visayas of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL).
Dabuco said the increasing number of violent attacks against lawyers deserves utmost attention and condemnation.
“Lawyers must never be subjected to attacks for merely performing their duties,” part of CHR-6’s statement read.
“Lawyers are essential for the attainment of justice and the rule of law. Regardless of who they represent, lawyers must be given enough freedom to freely exercise their profession without threats of attack and violence upon their person,” it added.
The Commission called upon the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement officers to swiftly and effectively investigate the case and bring the victim justice.
“We also urge the government to provide measures that safeguard the rights of the people against such attacks,” it added./PN
