Special investigator Jess Cañete of the Commission on Human Rights in Negros Oriental said his office is conducting its own impartial investigation into the death of peasant leader Fermin Lorico.

Cañete gave the assurance as militant groups, like KARAPATAN-Central Visayas, are seeking justice for Lorico, provincial chairman of the farmers’ federation, Kahugpongan Alang sa Gagmay’ng Mag-uuma sa Oriental Negros, or KAUGMAON.

Lorico was shot at close range on June 10 shortly after he attended a rally against Charter Change at the Quezon Park in Dumaguete City. He died on the spot.

Cañete said he immediately began his own investigation into the gun-slay of Lorico the day after he was shot and said it was unfair of militant groups to accuse him of not doing his job.

“I was never remiss in investigating cases filed by the KARAPATAN before my office, such as those in Barangay Linantuyan in Guihulngan and in Sta. Catalina,” he added.

Cañete also stressed that he is waiting for at least two vital witnesses, who were with Lorico when he was killed, to hopefully submit their statements to aid the police, the CHR and other law enforcement agencies, in their investigation.

The witnesses have not surfaced until today.

“Until my investigation on the Lorico murder ends, I cannot conclude that it was an extra-judicial killing,” Cañete said. 

He, meanwhile, said he will not quit his job, in reaction to a published statement issued by KARAPATAN-Central Visayas seeking his resignation.

“They do not have the moral ascendancy to call for it,” he added.*JFP

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