Killing of human rights defender a ‘terrible loss for the human rights community’

A leading human rights defender and critic of the Philippine government, Bishop Alberto Ramento was brutally murdered in his parish of San Sebastian on 3 October. “His death is a terrible loss for the human rights community in the Philippines,” Director of Front Line, Mary Lawlor said.

Bishop Ramento was a prolific peace and human rights advocate in the Philippines. He was a convener for the ‘Pilgrims for Peace’, an organisation that supports the peace process in the country, a leader of the human rights group, ‘Karapatan’ one of the most active human rights organisations reporting on extra-judicial killings in the Philippines. Bishop Ramento was also the Chairman of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente’s (IFI) Supreme Council of Bishops, and Chairman of the National Council of Churches.

Police investigations have reportedly concluded that Bishop Alberto Ramento's death was the result of a robbery. His family and fellow clergy strongly suspect that his killing was politically motivated, as he had received a series of death threats prior to his murder.

Front Line believes that the murder of Bishop Ramento was related to his deep commitment and outspoken defence of human rights in the Philippines. Front Line urges the Philippine authorities to carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the killing of Bishop Ramento, publish the results and bring those responsible to justice. Front Line also calls on the authorities to launch a full and independent inquiry into all the alleged extra-judicial killings which have occurred to date and guarantee human rights defenders in the Philippines, the right to work without fear of harassment or intimidation and, above all, without fear for their lives.