On December 7, 2016, Gito had just arrived at his father’s house in Caloocan City, Philippines. He was excited to see his family and spend some quality time with them. Little did he know that this visit would turn into a nightmare that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
As soon as Gito entered the house, he heard loud noises and commotion outside. Before he could even process what was happening, three armed policemen barged into the house. They grabbed his father and dragged him outside. Gito could hear his father pleading with the officers, but they paid no heed. In a matter of seconds, he heard multiple gunshots. His heart sank as he realized what had just happened – his father had been shot by the very people who were supposed to protect him.
In an interview with IPS, Gito recounted the horrific incident. He said that his father, who was a law-abiding citizen, had put his hands up in surrender when the officers told him they had come to arrest him. But instead of arresting him, they shot him multiple times, without any warning or justification. Gito’s father was killed in cold blood, leaving his family shattered and heartbroken.
This is not an isolated incident in the Philippines. Extrajudicial killings have become a common occurrence in the country, especially in the war on drugs initiated by President Rodrigo Duterte. According to human rights groups, thousands of people have been killed in the name of this war, most of them innocent civilians. The police and vigilante groups are given a free hand to carry out these killings, without any accountability or consequences.
The case of Gito’s father is just one of the many examples of the blatant abuse of power and human rights violations in the Philippines. The police and other law enforcement agencies are supposed to protect and serve the people, but instead, they have become the perpetrators of violence and injustice.
The impact of these killings goes beyond the victims and their families. It creates a climate of fear and mistrust among the citizens, who are constantly living in fear of being targeted by the authorities. It also undermines the rule of law and erodes the trust in the justice system. The families of the victims are left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, with no hope for justice or closure.
The international community has also expressed concern over the human rights situation in the Philippines. The United Nations and other human rights organizations have called for an end to these extrajudicial killings and for the perpetrators to be held accountable for their actions. However, the government has continuously denied any wrongdoing and has refused to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.
It is high time for the government to take responsibility and address the issue of extrajudicial killings in the country. The lives of innocent civilians should not be taken away in the name of a war on drugs. The rule of law must be upheld, and those responsible for these heinous crimes must be brought to justice.
Gito’s father was a victim of this senseless violence, but his memory will live on as a symbol of the fight for justice and human rights in the Philippines. His death should not be in vain, and his family deserves to see those responsible for his killing held accountable.
In the midst of this tragedy, Gito’s family and the families of other victims have shown incredible strength and resilience. They continue to speak up and demand justice, despite the risks and challenges they face. Their courage and determination are an inspiration to all of us, and we must stand in solidarity with them in their fight for justice.
The Philippines has a long way to go in terms of protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law. But with the collective efforts of the government, civil society, and the international community, we can bring an end to these extrajudicial killings and create a safer and more just society for all. Let us not forget the victims like Gito’s father and work towards a future where such incidents are a thing of the past.
