ILOILO City – Youth party-list Kabataan in Western Visayas expressed concern over the series of killings and shootings in this city and province of Iloilo.
In a statement sent to Panay News, it urged various youth organizations to question the government’s inaction and tolerance of impunity.
“We have to mobilize against impunity and collectively work to stop this senseless violence,” said JC Alejandro, spokesperson of Kabataan party-list in Western Visayas.
Among the cases he cited was the killing of drug suspect Barangay Captain Remia Prevendido Gregori of Bakhaw, Manduriao district on June 24 a resort in San Joaquin, Iloilo and the shootout between a drug suspect police officer and two cops in Barangay Dulonan, Arevalo district on June 26.
“A climate of impunity is apparent. It echoes the general climate of prevalent killings in the country,” said Alejandro.
Kabataan party-list urged youth and student organizations to “conduct forums, gatherings and public discussions” on the state of the country under President Rodrigo Duterte.
It further called on the public to “pressure government officials to pursue due process, respect human rights and dignity, and protect public welfare.”
Kabataan lamented that 27 activist farmers were killed, too, across the country. One of them was Julius Barellano who was shot dead on June 27 in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
“President Duterte and his armed mercenaries are inculcating fear through violence against the poor. We have to demand accountability and due process,” said Alejandro./PN
