ON THE ATTEMPT ON THE LIFE OF JOEL ASCUTIA

I condemn in the strongest possible terms the attempt on the life of Piston Bicol Chapter President Joel Ascutia.

The attack is not the first of its kind in Bicol, where political activists have been consistently targeted, and in many cases killed, by assassins.

As long as those behind these murders remain unpunished, these attacks will continue to victimize those who seek to advance the interests of the marginalized in their own peaceful but militant way.

Before this incident escalates into another wave of attacks, this administration must not wait for another visit by the UN rapporteur before stepping in to stop this gang of murderers which seem to enjoy immunity from arrest and prosecution. I join others in wishing Ascutia a speedy recovery, and urging the Philippine National Police to thoroughly investigate this assassination attempt.