CHR probes ambush of social services officer in BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2024): CHR probes ambush of social services officer in BARMM (By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

MANILA – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is investigating the ambush of a 28-year-old provincial official of the Ministry of Social Services and Development in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Targeting social service workers can cause a chilling effect to development workers and disrupts the delivery of services direly needed in conflict-vulnerable communities in the region,” the CHR said in a statement on Wednesday.

Christhia Angela Aragoncillo was attacked along a highway in Barangay Semba in Datu Odin Sinsuat last month.

The attack also wounded Aragoncillo’s officemate, Norhano Ado.

The attack happened not far from the victims' office, according to the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office.

The CHR denounced the violence and expressed concern on the safety and security of government workers in the BARMM “who dedicate their lives to the betterment of their communities”.

“This attack not only claimed the life of a young public servant but it is also an affront on the peace and development efforts in the area,” it said.

The CHR has urged authorities to "leave no stone unturned" in investigating the case.

"It is crucial to bring the perpetrators to account to prevent similar incidents from happening.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225776