‘No coordinated attack vs rights advocates’

MANILA, Philippines — There is no coordinated attack against human rights advocates, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday in reaction to the murder of two members of rights group Karapatan in Sorsogon City.

PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac issued the statement a day after Karapatan workers Nelly Bagasala and Ryan Hubilla were shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants in Barangay Cabid-an on Saturday morning.

The victims died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds in the body.

Police said they have yet to identify the killers.

“We assure the public that the situation nationwide is under control and there is no spate of attacks targeting leaders and members of human rights group in the Philippines,” Banac said in a text message to The STAR.

He said the PNP remains vigilant against crimes and is ready to respond to any emergency.

Brig. Gen. Arnel Escobal, Bicol police director, said they have yet to gather leads on the murder of Bagasala and Hubilla.

Bullet shells recovered at the scene scene were submitted to the PNP Crime Laboratory for examination.

Escobal said the victims’ phones would be examined for messages that might lead to the suspects’ identities and determine the motive for the killing.