Gabriela Solon Joins CHR’s Probe on Killing of Rebelyn Pitao

“No time should be wasted in putting the butchers of Rebelyn behind bars. What are at stake are the lives of our women and children while the criminals are still at large ready to prey upon their next victim.”
This is the statement of Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Luzviminda Ilagan as she joined the Commission on Human Rights headed by Chairperson Leila De Lima for a public inquiry in Davao City to investigate the killing of Rebelyn Pitao, a 20 year-old teacher who was found dead in Brgy. San Isidro, Carmen, Davao del Norte on March 5, 2009, a day after her abduction.

“The people especially in Mindanao are extremely enraged by the brutal murder of Rebelyn. Malacanang will always be accountable to the people for every single case of human rights violation perpetrated under Arroyo’s administration that has been left unresolved,” Ilagan said.

The Gabriela solon vowed to exhaust all legislative means to bring justice for Rebelyn and all other victims of extrajudicial killings and baleful human rights violations under the Arroyo administration.

Earlier, Rep. Ilagan, together with her co-party representative and Assistant Minority Leader Liza Maza,has filed  House Resolution 1050, directing the House Committee on Human Rights to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, on the abduction, rape, torture and summary execution of Rebelyn Pitao, allegedly perpetrated by the 10th Infantry Division of the AFP and recommend measures to immediately hold the perpetrators accountable for the crimes against Pitao.

“Rebelyn’s case loudly calls Malacanang’s immediate action as the Mindanaoans’ clamor for justice is ever more intensifying with the former’s inhuman and brutal murder. Instead of pushing for charter change and other desperate attempts to extend her term, President Arroyo should give highest priority to the protection of the lives of the Filipino people,” Ilagan stressed.

Rep. Ilagan also expressed alarm that the number of human rights violations continues to escalate and no single case has ever been resolved up to now. She also criticized the apparent inaction of Malacanang stressing Gabriela Women’s Party’s claim that the Philippines is the most dangerous and deadliest place for women. #