Govt probe of vigilante killings in Davao starts

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started its inquiry into the killing spree in Davao City that victimized more than 800 people. A team headed by CHR chairperson Leila de Lima went to the area on Monday to conduct public hearing on the deaths allegedly perpetrated by a vigilante group. The team will look into why the killings persist with no willing witnesses to shed light on the incidents, according to De Lima. “Narito kami sa Davao [We’re here in Davao] because today is the first day of our public inquiry and consultation into the cases of summary or extra-legal killings attributable to the so-called Davao Death Squad," De Lima said in an interview on dzXL radio. Human rights organizations have urged the government to look into the killings allegedly perpetrated by the Davao Death Squad [DDS]. The executions are reportedly being tolerated by some local government and police officials in the area. Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who is said to rule with an iron hand, has repeatedly denied the city government’s involvement in the killings, adding that he himself is opposed to summary execution. De Lima said it was “totally unacceptable" for the CHR that there were no witnesses because local folk “favor" the “instant justice" brought by the killings. "Is that good? Summary vigilante-style killings, wala nang [there’s no more] death penalty or state-sponsored killings? And now you have a group of scalawags whoever they are, the so- called Davao Death Squad delivering justice on their own? Who gave them the mandate to do that? They are like playing God, that is unacceptable," said De Lima. No license At least two lawmakers are supporting the investigation. House committee on Human Rights chair and Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III said the occurrence of more than 800 killings in Davao City since 1998 showed that the police were not doing their job in apprehending the culprits. "It is just right to investigate the DDS...No one has the license to kill even if the person killed is allegedly criminal," Tañada said. Gabriela partylist Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan said the killers of 20-year-old Rebelyn Pitao, one of the latest victims of extrajudicial killings in the area, should be immediately put behind bars. “No time should be wasted in putting the butchers of Rebelyn behind bars. What are at stake are the lives of our women and children while the criminals are still at large ready to prey upon their next victim," Ilagan said in a statement. - GMANews.TV