PNP appreciates CHR statement hitting NPA for killing cop

May 27, 2019

The Philippine National Police ( PNP) on Monday said they appreciate the latest statement of Commission on Human Rights ( CHR) condemning the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army for killing a police officer in Agusan del Norte.

“We appreciate the responsiveness of CHR of acting judiciously to blatant and wanton disregard for human life by the CPP-NPA,” Police General Oscar Albayalde, the PNP chief, said in a press briefing.

CHR has sometimes criticized the administration’s war on illegal drugs which the PNP is part of.

“As the government watchdog on human rights, law enforcement looks highly at CHR as its vanguard against the rights abuses by the local communist movement,” Albayalde said.

On Saturday, CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia condoled with the death of Police Executive Master Sergeant Jimmer Omisol.

CHR said the rebel group admitted killing Omisol for allegedly “fighting back”, which is a common phrase during police operations when an alleged suspect was killed by the authorities.

“We are reminding everyone that self-defense does not justify a life that was lost. It is necessary to file a case on court to find out if it is reasonable and it’s not a non-excessive response as compare to the aggression shown by the alleged person,” said De Guia.

She said based on the International Humanitarian Law, the use of force on time of conflict and war is not allowed.

“It can be shown here the culture of violence- even the armed of the law is not safe. That’s why we are reiterating our call to adhere the law at all times so that respect to human life will return and violence will be gone,” she added.

Omisol was killed at Brgy.Tagcatong, Carmen in Agusan del Norte last week.

NPA claimed responsibility on the incident, saying Omisol planted shabu and firearms to seized rebel sympathizers and civilians. The group said they are just planning to abduct the cop but he resisted. Ella Dionisio/DMS