The Commission on Human Rights on Wednesday condemned the bombings in Jolo, Sulu, which killed at least 21 people; the attack on a mosque in Zamboanga City, which left two dead; and the murder of National Democratic Front consultant Randy Malayao in Nueva Vizcaya, but these incidents would not justify the declaration of martial law nationwide. “We urge the government to make all perpetrators accountable and prevent similar incidents from happening. ADVERTISEMENTHowever, De Guia said those events “should not, in any way, be construed as a reason for a nationwide imposition of martial law. “De Guia said the CHR would still have to objectively assess the effect of martial law on the ground, an issue that was still under discussion at the Supreme Court. “His death comes at a time when voices of opposition and human rights groups are tagged as enemies, making them possible subjects of assaults,” she said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 30, 2019 14:37 UTC