The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) has strongly condemned the violent attack on the residence of Commissioner Archie U. Buaya, which occurred on the evening of October 10, 2024, in Labungan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. Armed men opened fire on the commissioner’s home between 9:00 and 11:00 PM, leaving one of his security personnel seriously injured.
Commissioner Buaya was not present at the time, as he was on an official trip, but his security personnel, identified as John Debang, suffered a severe gunshot wound to the head and is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
In a related incident, the home of Mr. Ben Aguil, a staff member of the BHRC Maguindanao del Sur office, located just meters from Commissioner Buaya’s residence, was also targeted by gunmen. Although Mr. Aguil was inside the house during the attack, he was unharmed.
The BHRC expressed grave concern over these violent attacks and emphasized the danger posed to the lives and properties of its members. The commission issued a statement calling on law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“The BHRC expresses deep concern over these violent attacks and the threat to the lives and properties of its members,” the commission said in a statement.
The BHRC also stressed the need to prioritize the safety and security of human rights defenders in the region, urging government authorities to take immediate steps to protect their staff and officials.
“The safety and security of human rights defenders must be prioritized, and the BHRC calls on the public and government authorities to ensure protection for its staff and officials,” the statement added.
The violent attacks have sparked alarm within the BHRC, as they continue to promote and defend human rights in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The commission reiterated its commitment to pushing for justice and urged the public to support their efforts in maintaining a secure environment for human rights defenders.
