Dear Friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) deeply regrets to inform you about the killing of a peasant leader in Negros Occidental. The victim actively led landrights campaign in their area. The three unknown assailants were aboard a motorcycle.
CASE NARRATIVE:
Based on the documentation by the Alliance for the Advancement of People’s Rights (KARAPATAN) and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP)
On 28 April 2018, Jerry Turga, 56, was shot to death outside his store in Moises, Padilla, Negros Occidental. Jerry was shot 10 times in his chest and stomach, resulting in his instant death. The three unknown assailants were aboard a motorcycle.
According to witnesses, the gunman changed the magazine of the caliber .45 firearm and fired more shots at Jerry.
A bystander was also severely wounded in the shooting. His 14-year-old child was able to run inside the house and escaped the shooting.
Prior to the killing, Jerry’s relatives and neighbors noticed suspicious elements, believed to be surveillance agents, in their community asking about Jerry’s activities and whereabouts.
According to Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Negros, they believe that local warlords and state security forces are behind the killing.
Jerry was the Vice Chairperson of Guinpanaan Farmers Association, munipal chapter of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). He led land rights campaigns in their area.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write letters to the authorities listed below expressing your concern about the case.
The AHRC is writing a separate letter to the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.
To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear ___________,
PHILIPPINES: Peasant leader killed for land rights campaign in Negros
Name of victim: Jerry Turga, 56 years old. He is the Vice Chairperson of Guinpanaan Farmers Association, munipal chapter of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP).
Names of alleged perpetrators: Three unknown assailants on a motorcycle.
Date of incident: 28 April 2018
Place of incident: Moises, Padilla, Negros Occidental
I am writing to voice my grave concern regarding the killing of a peasant leader in Negros Occidental.
On 28 April 2018, Jerry Turga, 56, was shot to death outside his store in Moises, Padilla, Negros Occidental. Jerry was shot 10 times in his chest and stomach, resulting in his instant death. The three unknown assailants were aboard a motorcycle.
According to witnesses, the gunman changed the magazine of the caliber .45 firearm and fired more shots at Jerry.
A bystander was also severely wounded in the shooting. His 14-year-old child was able to run inside the house and escaped the shooting.
I have learned that prior to the killing, Jerry’s relatives and neighbors noticed suspicious elements, believed to be surveillance agents, in their community asking about Jerry’s activities and whereabouts.
According to Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Negros, they believe that local warlords and state security forces are behind the killing.
Jerry was the Vice Chairperson of Guinpanaan Farmers Association, munipal chapter of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). He led land rights campaigns in their area.
I urge you to conduct a prompt and effective investigation into Jerry’s killing and serve justice without delay. Also, ensure the witnesses and family of the victim are given adequate protection and the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
I trust that you will take appropriate action in this.
Yours Sincerely,
……………….
PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTERS TO:
1. Mr. Rodrigo Duterte
President
Malacañang Palace,
JP Laurel St., San Miguel
Manila, 1005
Philippines
Fax: (+632) 742-1641 / 929-3968
E-mail: op-proper@gov.ph
2. Mr. Menardo Guevarra
Secretary
Department of Justice
Padre Faura St., Manila, 1004
Philippines
Fax: (+632) 521-1614
Email: communications@doj.gov.ph
3. Mr. Jose Luis Martin Gascon
Chairperson
Commission on Human Rights
SAAC Bldg., UP Complex, Commonwealth Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Fax: (+632) 929 0102
Email: chairgascon.chr@gmail.com
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)
