CHR-Region 1 finds ‘human rights abuse’ in Solon’s killing

April 29, 2022 JUST IN

San Fernando City, La Union (April 28, 2022) — The Commission on Human Rights found there was a human rights violation in the 2018 killing of La Union Rep. Eufranio Eriguel and three of his aides.
In CHR resolution dated February 15, 2022 by CHR-Region 1 Regional Director Atty. Harold Kub-aron, it said “human rights violation (arbitrary deprivation of life) was committed against Eriguel who was killed in a political rally on May 12, 2018 ahead of the barangay elections.
The CHR investigation showed Eriguel was killed by unidentified gunmen while he was attending a “miting de abanse” at the barangay plaza of Barangay Capas, Agoo, La Union around 7 p.m. of May 12, 2018. Two of his security aides—Bobby Ordinario and Mac Ruel Tubera—were also fatally shot, while another aide—Patrick Manabat—sustained gunshot wounds and died on May 16, 2018 while undergoing medical treatment.
“The circumstances of this case, and the pieces of evidence gathered show that the victim was killed in a treacherous manner. The unidentified gunmen who suddenly arrived at the venue of the ‘miting de abanse’, went near the victim, Dr. Franny, and then shot him several times,” the CHR said in the resolution.
The CHR said that “after carefully evaluating the pieces of evidence gathered, “we rule that there is substantial evidence to support the finding of a human rights violation, particularly the arbitrary deprivation of the lives of (Eriguel), his aides and the innocent people who attended the miting de abanse”.
Witnesses implicated Felizardo Villanueva alias “Rambo” a “person of interest.” Villanueva was a former barangay chairman of Capas in Agoo.
Eriguel sustained eight gunshot wounds on his head, chest, arm and leg inflicted by the hired armed men.
His death seemed started a string of high-profile political killings in La Union, with Sudipen Mayor Alexander Buquing being killed along with his security escort in October, and Balaoan Vice Mayor Alfred Concepcion in November in 2018. Concepcion’s daughter, Mayor Aleli Concepcion, was also wounded in the same incident. The killings remain unresolved.
Peace advocates group —Crusaders for Peace —said the killings were not only a violation of Eriguel’s right to life, but also an affront to the political will of the people of La Union.
More than three years after the death of Eriguel, another assassination plot against his wife— Rep. Sandra Eriguel and two mayors in the province was reportedly uncovered following the arrest of several members of the notorious Magpali assassination squad, composed mostly of police and military scalawags, on June 23, 2021.