CHR identifies 'common patterns' in police ops that killed 14 in Negros

The Commision on Human Rights-Central Visayas has identified common patterns in the deaths of 14 individuals during police operations in Negros Oriental.

Based on their initial probe, CHR-Region 7 Investigation Chief Leo Villarino said that most of the slain individuals were moved out of sight of their relatives during the arrest.

"What is common in these incidents that occurred is 'yung pareho 'yung pagsakalay ng mga operatiba, pinapalabas sa bahay 'yung mga nasa loob tapos iniiwan 'yung mga biktima na napaslang sa loob," Villarino said in an interview on GMA News TV's Quick Response Team.

"Napapansin din natin na 'yung mga biktima ay medyo may edad na, nasa senior age na sila eh," he added.

The investigators also noticed some had gunshot wounds in the head.

The families of nine out of the 14 killed have already been visited by the CHR's investigating team.

Villarino said the commission acknowledges that some family members are scared to speak and are hesitant to have their slain family members undergo autopsy. He urged them to cooperate with the investigation in pursuit of justice

On Saturday, 14 persons were killed in separate police operations in Canlaon City and in the towns of Manjuyod and Sta. Catalina after they allegedly shot it out with cops.

The Philippine National Police insisted that the operations were legitimate as these were all covered by search warrants. PNP Chief Police General Oscar Albayalde has ordered the relief of the provincial police office director and three town police chiefs in Negros Oriental as the probe into the deaths starts.

Villarin said CHR's investigation will give police officers a chance to respond to the statements of the slain individuals' family members and let them air their side of the story. —Dona Magsino/JST, GMA News