EDITORIAL

A government killing its own people is abhorrent

It is alarming when it is the government which is perceived as the one killing its people. According to human rights groups, there have been a lot of forced disappearances, salvaging, torture and rape of civilians perceived with or aligned with the Left.

In Kalinga alone, according to the New People’s Army, since the present administration came to power, a total of 32 unarmed and innocent civilians were killed by the Armed forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police in Kalinga -- three in Balbalan: Bayan Muna Leader Peter Dangiwan, Jeff "Openg" Daoayan and Robert "Ambalnog" Sabado; five in Pinukpuk, namely, Victor Balais, Noli Siwal, Richard Agustin and two others from Pakawit; 12 in Tabuk, namely, Women Leader Mercy Gonzalo, her husband Salvador Gonzalo and their son-in-law Charlie Kadater, Alex Noval, Jimmy Dalire and his 3-year old daughter.

Others were Calanan Barangay Captain Gabriel Lumbican and his father, Elmer Gallema, Bayan Muna Leader Rafael "Markus" Bangit, Bayan Muna coordinator Alice O. Claver, and another civilian from Nambaran.

The 12 most recent ones, who were reportedly massacred in Rizal, were: Lakay Ulliba, Pedro Ulliba, Felimon Ulliba, Delfin Madayag, Johnny Gaspar Cayabo, Bangi Bakkay, Agyao Sabawil, Abok Tayaan, Say-at Addawi, Alib Baklas, Juan Attang, and Conrado Ordonia.

There are a lot more victims of extrajudicial killings not only in northern Luzon but other parts of the country. It is a shame that law enforcers couldn’t enforce the law to stop this abhorrent practice if they are not the ones doing it.