MANILA, Philippines- Inihayag ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) nitong Lunes na magsasagawa ito ng sariling imbestigasyon sa pamamaril sa photojournalist na si Joshua Abiad at kanyang pamilya sa Quezon City noong June 29.
Sinabi ito ng CHR sa gitna ng pag-alis ng Quezon City Police District (QCPD) sa prospesyon ni Abiad bilang photographer para sa Remate Online bilang rason ng pag-atake.
Binanggit pa sa Commission ang umano’y death threats laban sa fact-checking media organization VERA Files.
“In line with our mandate to protect and promote the right to life, liberty, and security of all individuals, and uphold press freedom, the CHR-National Capital Region is also doing its parallel and independent probe to aid in uncovering the truth on the aforementioned incidents,” pahayag ng CHR.
“CHR continues to reiterate that acts of violence and intimidation against media professionals and news outlets contribute to impunity and the erosion of press freedom, which negatively impacts the foundations of our democracy and the integrity of our society. May these incidents serve as a reminder to the government to continue to take proactive measures that will ensure the welfare and safety of media practitioners and all individuals to prevent further violence and create a safe and secure environment for all,” dagdag nito.
Inihayag ng Philippine National Police (PNP) nitong Lunes na natukoy na ng mga awtoridad ang limang persons of interest sa pamamaril kay Abiad.
Binuo rin ng PNP ang isang special investigation task group (SITG) upang imbestigahan ang shooting incident alinsunod sa utos ni PNP Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. na paspasan ang imbestigasyon. RNT/SA
