LEGAZPI CITY, May 8 (PNA) --- Human rights violation incidence in Bikol slid down last year compared to the previous years, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Bikol reported.
CHR records indicate that only 46 cases of human rights violations were reported last year, an 11 percent decrease compared to 51 cases recorded in 2007.
Aimee Espinas, CHR Bikol spokesman, said decrease in HRV incidents may be attributed to the agency advocacy drive on human rights promotion and protection.
The CHR in Bikol is regularly coordinating and consulting with concerned national government agencies, local government units, people's organization as well as religious and civic groups regarding adopting the HR "right based approach" and obligations.
Espinas said during the first four months of this year, her agency monitored 36 HRV cases involving reports against policemen with 12 cases, followed by civilians with 8, New Poeple's Army (NPA) rebels with 7, public officials - 12, minors - 4.
Victims of HRV were mostly women (10 cases) and minors (6), followed by civilians (4),para-military (3), and businessmen and public officials with 2 cases each.
Offenses committed range from murder with 13 cases, sexual abuse with 6 cases and massacre with 3 cases, the CHR reports said.
Camarines Sur topped the list of HRV with 19 cases, followed by Albay with 15 cases, Camarines Norte and Masbate with one each while Sorsogon and Catanduanes have no HRV cases reported during the first quarter of this year.
CHR records reveal that highest HRV incidences occurred in 1988 and 1989 with 205 cases and 243 cases respectively; in the 90s, 103 cases were recorded in 1995.
In 2000, 95 cases were reported, followed by 81 cases in 2001; 77 cases in 2006; and 73 cases in 2003. (PNA)