The Concerned Citizens for Human Rights has asked Dumaguete City Mayor Agustin Perdices Monday to look into the extra-judicial killing of KAUGMAON leader Fermin Lorico.

CCHR is composed of lawyers, church people and human rights defenders who spearhead an inquiry into the unresolved murder of Lorico, who was shot dead on July 10, after leading an anti-Charter-change rally at the Quezon Park, in the city.

Rev. Rey Gelloagan, Karapatan national vice chairperson, Vimarie Arcilla of Karapatan and coordinator Joseph Lagorra of the Promotion of Church People’s Response discussed with Perdices, the concerns over the assassination that they said wrecked the “City Of Gentle People” tag of Dumaguete.

Luis Blanco of Karapatan said Perdices will ask law enforcement agencies to expedite the investigation and arrange for a deliberation with the Task Force Lorico.

CCHR said the police allegedly had a tussle with protesters, and that, intelligence assets of the Philippine National Police were spotted taking pictures during the Cha-cha rally.

They said Supt. Leopoldo Cabanag, city police chief, had reprimanded his men after the incident and admitted that there were intelligence assets dispatched to the vicinity where the rally was held, supposedly to secure and protect the protesters.

Karapatan said it is difficult to trust law enforcement agencies when their agents figure in deplorable acts of surveillance against vocal critics of the government.

They hoped that after meeting with the PNP, a speedy investigation will take place and justice will finally be served to Lorico.*RG

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