STATEMENT OF CODE-NGO
August 11, 2019

As the bell tolls in the churches of Negros Oriental, the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) join the call of its local CSO members in the province to stop the killings they have witnessed firsthand in the past weeks. CODE-NGO strongly condemns the killings and call on the state to protect human lives!

The spate of senseless violence across the province that happened in less than two weeks has claimed the lives of more than 20 – children, lawyers, teachers, public servants and partners of communities.

In solidarity with the local church groups, human rights advocates and civil society leaders based in Negros Oriental, CODE – NGO calls on the state to end violence now.

The situation is very alarming. The culture of death is perpetuated in this spate of senseless killings. The implementation of Memorandum Circular No. 23 and “Oplan Sauron” invites fear and violence as additional troops are sent to the province. We believe that violence will only beget more violence. Let this disaster be a reminder of the importance of human life and the dignity of the human person. Let this not serve as a reason to bring in martial law.

We urge the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental headed by Governor Roel Degamo, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to uphold the rule of law and due process during the investigation of the killings. We respectfully remind them of their duty to protect human lives and human dignity.

We call on the citizens nationwide to continue to demand accountability of state actors to conduct investigations and provide justice to the families of the victims.

We call on the President of the Republic of the Philippines to ensure that justice is served in a lawful and humane manner and heed the call of the citizens of Negros Oriental.

Stop the killings and protect human lives now!