BARMM human rights investigator killed in Cotabato City

Ayao, who was a former reporter of ABS-CBN Cotabato, died after he was shot in the head. His driver, identified as Pio Orteza, was also killed. (File photo: Ar Chad/Facebook)

A human rights investigator for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was shot dead in Cotabato City on Wednesday, May 1.

As per reports, the victim, identified as Archad Ayao, was riding a hired ‘habal-habal’ when a motorcycle-riding assailant attacked them on Ramon Rabago Street in Barangay Rosary Heights 4 at around 6:10 p.m.

Ayao, who was a former reporter of ABS-CBN Cotabato, died after he was shot in the head. His driver, identified as Pio Orteza, was also killed.

Three successive gunshots were heard by witnesses.

The motive behind the killing is yet to be determined, but the reports said authorities are looking on whether or not the attack has something to do with his works as a human rights investigator.

The Notre Dame University (NDU) College of Law said it condemned in the “strongest possible terms” and “deeply mourn” the death of its former student.

“We pray that justice may be served, and that their gruesome deaths (which includes the habal-habal driver) may not just fall as mere statistic,” it said on a Facebook post.

Lawyer Laisa Alamia, former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) executive secretary, also extended her condolences to Ayao’s family upon learning about the incident.

“Ar Chad Ayao, committed human rights and social worker, emergency responder, trainor, facilitator, a very active regional juvenile justice and welfare committee member headed by the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development)-ARMM,” Alamia wrote on her Facebook post, continuing, “Young, witty, so full of life. Kind, efficient, hardworking. His life has been snuffed out earlier tonight. Unbelievable! Another senseless death! I grieve, I grieve, I grieve.”

Meanwhile, netizen @valerielambo, who claims to be Ayao’s friend, took to Twitter to remember the victim whom she described as an “accomplished young friend.”

“Archad Ayao lived his life. He surely did,” she said.

In another tweet, the netizen shared, “Just went to Chad’s home. His mother was warm, kind but grieving. His father was a source of strength and was very proud of his son,”

“Chaddie is a friend of all, smart and feisty. I will miss him. We will miss his vibrance, laugh and wit,” she added.

MindaNews reported that Ayao’s remains were brought to his home in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao for a Muslim burial.