MANILA – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday welcomed a Caloocan Court’s verdict on four police officers involved in the killing of a father and son during an anti-drug operation in Manila in 2016.
Luis Bonifacio, 45, and his son, Gabriel, 19, were shot dead during the operation.
The court found the police officers guilty of homicide and sentenced them to prison terms of up to 10 years.
“Unjustified killings committed by law enforcers are not only blatant violations of the law but also manifest grave abuse of authority and transgresses against the principles of humanity and the right to life,” the CHR said in a statement.
“We acknowledge the court’s decision as a significant step towards achieving justice and accountability for the victims of human rights violations in relation to the anti-drug campaign of the previous administration.”
The ruling highlights the importance of respect for human rights, due process, and the rule of law, in any campaign, including in the pursuit of crime prevention and drug control, the CHR said. (PNA)
