Members of various civil society groups under the umbrella of Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Citizens Assembly marked yesterday’s celebration of the International Human Rights Day with protests.

The members of CCA started the activity with a Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Jose Palma at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

The group then marched to Plaza Independencia where a protest rally against extrajudicial killings was held.

They are calling for the government to stop extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses.

“It is an open book that the Duterte Administration has already terminated the peace talks with the Reds this year, and for that matter, possible hostilities and chaos is inevitable,” a statement from CCA says.

The CCA also mentioned that the killings were not only confined in the illegal drugs campaign but already shifted the target to civil society organizations.

“We are bothered of what is happening now for the Duterte Administration. The signs are crystal clear and the situation is reminiscent of the Marcos era where the order of the day is bolstering rampant human rights violations,” it added.

According to the group, political killings have taken its place with 104 recorded victims for 2017.

The group lighted candles and offered it to honor the Cebuano martyrs and victims of martial law.

Among the Cebuano martyrs honored yesterday were Father Rosalio "Rudy" Romano, Ribomapil "Dodong" Holganza Sr., Professor Evelyn Neri, Lawyer Vicente Balbuena, Fr. Louie Hechanova, Lawyer Valentino Legaspi, and radio personality Nenita "Inday Nita" Cortes-Daluz. — (FREEMAN)