By Leilani Adriano and Bobby Labalan
VERA Files
Photos of most wanted criminals in Ilocos Norte are posted in public places, with the promise of a reward to anyone who could lead to the arrest of suspects. (Photo by Leilanie Adriano)
In the chronicles of human rights violations, Judge Ariston Rubio is listed as one of the first victims of extrajudicial killings under the administration of Gloria Arroyo.
Almost a decade since he was slain in broad daylight by two unidentified gunmen on the Batac-Currimao road in Ilocos Norte on Oct. 31, 2001, Rubio’s murder remains unsolved.
Like Rubio, United Methodist pastor Isaias Sta. Rosa was also a victim of extrajudicial killings (EJKs), the 21st church worker killed during the Arroyo administration.
Taken from his home in Daraga, Albay by 10 hooded men in the evening of Aug. 3, 2006, Sta. Rosa was hogtied, beaten up and then dragged to a nearby creek where he was shot six times. His killers have never been punished.
Makita o mabigyan sana ng closure at hustisya ang lahat ng victims ng extra judicial killings and forced disappearances.