Statement of GPH on the Killing of Mayor Otaza and his son

OPAPP Press Release

October 21, 2015 | view this statement on our website

Statement of Atty. Alexander Padilla, Chair of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Negotiating Panel for the talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF), on the abduction and killing of Loreto Mayor Dario Otaza and his son

We strongly condemn the killing of Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Daryl. Mayor Otaza has been a reliable peace and development partner of the government for the welfare of his constituents, of whom 80-90% are lumads. At this point, it is important to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice. We have always called for a meaningful process with the CPP/NPA/NDF that will bring the people closer to peace. Government continues to work on this table, but any violence on the ground makes the process more difficult than it is now. We urge everyone to join our call for an end to the violence against the people. ###