MLANG, North Cotabato — The mother of the slain Maguad siblings has publicly expressed deep frustration and disappointment toward the Commission on Human Rights (Philippines) and other institutions, saying her family continues to struggle in their search for justice years after the brutal killing of her children.
In a lengthy social media post, Lovella Orbe Maguad questioned what she described as the uneven attention and support given to different cases, particularly after learning that some families of alleged extrajudicial killing victims were able to travel to The Hague with the help of private organizations and legal counsel.
“Wow… Yes, I’m jealous for my children,” she wrote, saying the situation made her feel even more sympathy for the victims in her own family. She asked whether the difference was due to financial capability or the absence of lawyers willing to strongly represent their cause.
The Maguad couple, both government employees, said they had to save money and even consider taking out loans to pursue further legal action, including hiring private legal representation. According to Maguad, they had previously requested a dialogue with the Commission on Human Rights through its regional office after reaching out through a senator’s office.
During that meeting, representatives from government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Justice, were also present. Maguad recalled raising concerns about her long-held perception of human rights groups and said she was told the agency would record their concerns and forward them to the central office. However, she claimed the family did not feel concrete action afterward.
She also cited what she described as a broader pattern of violent crimes affecting victims across the country and questioned whether human rights advocacy sufficiently addresses the plight of victims’ families.
“Our only request is fairness, genuine concern, and concrete action for victims,” she wrote, adding that the pain and frustration continue to keep her awake at night.
The Maguad family has remained vocal about their quest for justice following the deaths of siblings Krisle Gwyn and Krisle Lewis, who were killed inside their home in December 2021 in Mlang, North Cotabato. The case drew national attention due to the brutality of the attack and the circumstances surrounding it.
According to case details released earlier, the victims sustained multiple stab wounds, and several weapons were recovered from the scene. Investigators noted signs that the attack may have been carried out by someone familiar with the household. At the time, minors were reportedly linked to the incident, though legal proceedings have continued amid questions from the victims’ family and the public.
Maguad also raised concerns over reports circulating online about the conditions of the female suspect while under custody, including allegations that she was able to leave confinement, use a mobile phone, and perform certain duties where she was being held. Authorities have yet to publicly clarify those claims.
Despite the challenges, the family said they remain determined to pursue accountability and are even considering bringing the matter to international attention if necessary.
“We will not stop seeking justice for our children,” Maguad said, emphasizing that many other families who lost loved ones to violent crimes also deserve equal attention and support.
The case continues to resonate nationwide, as calls grow for clearer updates, stronger victim support, and transparency in the ongoing legal process.