Justice remains elusive for slain NPA daughter;
Easter prayers of hope to mark Rebelyn’s 40th day
Marking the 40th day of her death anniversary, a special liturgy calling for justice for Rebelyn Pitao was held on Wednesday afternoon, April 15.
Exodus for Justice and Peace (EJP), an alliance of church people, academe, human rights advocates and other groups led the liturgy as it continued the call for justice for the slain 20-year old teacher who was abducted last March 4 in Davao and found dead last March 5 in Carmen, Davao del Norte.
In a statement, the EJP said “Forty days after her barbaric and senseless murder by suspected military intelligence agents, Rebelyn Pitao symbolizes the plight of thousands of victims of extra-judicial killings in the country.”
EJP convenor Bishop Delfin Callao Jr said that, through this activity, “We will show the Arroyo government that the people of Davao is clamoring for truth and justice, and condemning the force of evil behind the killing of Rebelyn and thousands of other victims.”
The group said that as long as the government pursues a counter-insurgency policy that snuffs out the lives of civilians and fails to account for the killings, justice will remain elusive.
The EJP commends the efforts of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) headed by Atty. Leila de Lima for initiating a public inquiry on the killing of Rebelyn. “We urge (the CHR) not to be swayed by the military’s tactics to cover up and protect its own ranks.”
“We must stand up for truth and let the Arroyo government know that we hold life sacred, and that we condemn the killings and the attack on human life and dignity,” Callao added.
A candle lighting activity concluded the liturgy.
For reference:
BISHOP DELFIN CALLAO, Jr.
Convenor
Exodus for Justice and Peace
