CHR to probe ambush of Infanta, Quezon Mayor America

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) announced on Wednesday that it would investigate the weekend shooting of Infanta, Quezon Mayor Filipina Grace America.

“To help in seeking truth and justice, CHR will also be investigating the case in hopes that our independent investigation may help in holding perpetrators to account,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann De Guia said in a statement.

De Guia expressed alarm that human rights violations are becoming more brazen and are being done in broad daylight.

“It is deeply alarming that violations of human rights are becoming more brazen—committed in broad daylight and without regard for human life," she said.

Citing reports, De Guia said America, who is seeking reelection, was on her way home from church when her vehicle was repeatedly shot by unidentified gunmen in Poblacion Uno, Infanta, Quezon on February 27.

De Guia said America is still recovering after sustaining gunshot wounds in different parts of her body.

According to the CHR, America opposed the construction of the Kaliwa Dam, "which, once created, will submerge parts of Quezon and Rizal provinces, threaten wildlife and biodiversity, and displace indigenous communities in the area."

"Under a democratic society, any dispute—may it be politically-motivated or otherwise—should never be settled through the barrel of a gun," De Guia said. — VBL, GMA News