Slaughter of Innocents

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WHAT DO THEY SAY: In this post, we share the excerpts of selected articles and opinions by some bloggers; some are columns and news articles, they posted in their own web blogs regarding their comments on “vigilante killings” in the cities of Davao and Cebu. Should you have any comment on this particular issue, you are welcome to send your email to: philippines@ahrchk.net, or comment on this article.

“in Cebu, the vigilante-style killings of suspected criminals. Sen. Aquilino Pimentel said it well: the danger is when summary executions become rampant and, worse, becomes part of state policy.

- Rebelmind, 30 May 2006

“…expect the issues that dragged in 2006 to be back in 2007. It is likely, for example, that vigilante-style killings in Cebu City will continue without a change in the leadership at City Hall.

- Candido O. Wenceslao, 28 December 2006 posted in Rebelmind

“Impunity” which some blame as ‘the problem’ in the wave of death squad like killings in the news that has raised serious concerns over safety in the Islands

- Mike in Manila - at large, 11 January 2008

“as the recent spate of summary killings alarmed the public. Most of the deaths have been pinned down on the death squad, but police deny its existence and said the killings were gang-related. Morente (Jaime Morente (Davao City Police Chief)) said he would order a renewed campaign against teenage gangs whose members have already been identified by the anti-hoodlum unit.

- newsblog posted in durianburgdavao, 12 February 2008

“Davao City is a dangerous place for drug pushers, said Duterte following reports that drug merchants in the Cotabato provinces are actively operating shabu laboratories. I don’t care what others say. I am here to protect my people, said Duterte who has repeatedly warned drug pushers to avoid his city.”

-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, posted in durianburgdavao, 24 January 2008

“…the chief of police in this city has the luxury of dishing out a joke in hunting down the criminals. If the 3,000-man armed policemen of the force could not do anything about the murders, then he is now sending to the streets policemen on bikes.”

- durianburgdavao, 16 April 2008

“For me, the killings and murders that have happened are not alarming. It is because the victims were all underworld characters, and the killings were perpetrated by vigilante groups. So if you are not involved in a criminal activity, you don’t have to worry about getting killed.”

- Bobby Nalzaro, posted in Cebu on my mind, 26 May 2008

“Discipline is strictly being implemented throughout the city. Thanks to the city mayor. Davao City has made it to the headlines more than once. It is no secret that the international community, the Human Rights Group in particular criticizes the way the city government handles its affairs with regards to the extra-judicial executions around the metropolis. It maybe ironic but Davaoeños has never felt secure in their life. The HR Group should have identified the casualties. The killings have been focused mostly on the undesirable elements of the society. Any visitor can access the corners of the city 24/7. Now, how many places can anyone point out for its safety?”

- magic words, 8 June 2008