Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares today said that the continuation of congressional investigations into extrajudicial killings (EJKs), regardless of the status of potential International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants, is crucial.
Colmenares emphasized the importance of ongoing congressional probes, stating, “Mahalaga na ituloy pa din ang mga investigations ng Congress like the Quadcomm on the extra-judicial killings (EJKs) at POGOs dahil makakatulong ito sa pagpapatibay ng kaso laban sa mga masterminds and perpetrators ng EJKs.” (It is important to continue the congressional investigations, such as the quadripartite committee on killings, as these will help strengthen the case against the masterminds and perpetrators of EJKs.)
“The pursuit of justice for the victims of EJKs must not rely solely on international mechanisms. Our own legislative bodies have the responsibility to uncover the truth and hold accountable those responsible for these heinous acts,” said the former Bayan Muna solon.
Colmenares further stressed that these investigations serve multiple purposes: “Not only do they contribute to building a stronger case against the perpetrators, but they also demonstrate our commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law within our own borders.”
“We call on lawmakers to prioritize these investigations and ensure that they proceed without interference or delay,” Colmenares concluded. “The Filipino people deserve nothing less than a thorough and impartial examination of these grave human rights violations.”
