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DOJ asks CHR help in securing EJK witnesses
MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) will work with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to gain access to key witnesses in cases involving extra judicial killings (EJK) that have gone cold due to a dearth of viable testimonies.
DOJ Menardo Guevarra said in interview on Tuesday that the best way to get the full trust of witnesses is to produce positive results.
“But then again, we need their cooperation in the investigation to get those results,” he said, referring to the hesitation of some witnesses to come forward. “I have discussed this problem with the CHR, and the CHR agreed to help and serve as conduit for witnesses, if needed.”
The DOJ is part of the Administrative Order 35 Task Force, the inter-agency committee on extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture and other grave violations on the right to life liberty and security of persons.
A meeting is scheduled this month.
The DOJ chief on Monday said they will dig deeper into the death of nine individuals, alleged members of so-called progressive groups, in Southern Tagalog over the weekend.
The Philippine National Police confirmed on Monday that six in Rizal, two in Batangas, and one in Cavite died in “search warrant operations”.
There were also six arrests — three each in Laguna and Rizal. It added nine were still at large — eight in Rizal and one in Batangas.
