Militant group lauds Duterte-Carpio as human rights 'defender'

A militant group on Sunday commended Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for "defending" the rights of the poor even as she faces investigations after punching a court sheriff who was trying to enforce a demolition order last Friday. In a statement, the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) said Duterte-Carpio prevented more violence from erupting in a Davao City community by beating up court sheriff Abe Andres. The mayor knew that the residents, armed with darts and other hard objects, “will not give up their shanties without a fight," KADAMAY said, adding that the clash could have resulted in more injuries had Duterte-Carpio not intervened. “She is a human right defender for blocking a court order that will leave hundreds of children homeless, she is not an offender," said KADAMAY national vice chair Carlito Badion in the group’s statement. In a telephone interview with GMA News Online, KADAMAY-Davao chapter deputy secretary general Sheena Duazo acknowledged that Duterte-Carpio might have violated the rights of Andres based on the standards of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). But Duazo said, “Kailangan nating balansehin, tingnan ang sitwasyon." “She has no choice but to do it [punch the sheriff] kasi hindi na niya makontrol ang sitwasyon," said Duazo, noting that the clash between residents and the demolition team could have resulted in a “massacre." Duterte-Carpio faces separate investigations by the CHR and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) over the punching incident. Last Friday, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said the mayor could lose her post if proven that she abused her powers when she mauled Andres. In an earlier interview with GMA News, Andres said he suffered contusions around his eye and sought medical attention after the incident. He also declined to file charges against the mayor. Duterte-Carpio is expected to file an eight-day leave of absence on July 4, as the DILG begins its investigation on the mauling of Andres, according to a report on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali" newscast Sunday afternoon.
Her father, Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, will temporarily take charge of the mayor’s office. — Paterno Esmaquel II/LBG, GMA News