Inilagay na sa half-staff ang bandila ng Pilipinas sa tanggapan ng Commission on Human Rights sa Quezon City.
Ito ay bilang bahagi ng pagluluksa ng CHR sa pagpanaw ni chairman Chito Gascon.
Pumanaw si Gascon sa edad na 57 matapos mag-positibo sa COVId-19.
Ayon kay CHR spokesman Jacqueline Ann de Guia, itutuloy ng kanilang hanay ang mga nasimulan ni Gascon.
“CHR will continue the human rights work with equal fervor and sincerity that Chair Chito exemplified in his work. The Commission en banc (CeB) will continue to function with Commissioner Karen Gomez Dumpit as the Officer-in-Charge. As a National Human Rights Institution that embodies the principle of pluralism, the CeB comprise of Commissioners from diverse background, advocacy, and human rights expertise to be able to represent and give voice to the various sectors in society,” pahayag ni de Guia.
Sinabi pa ni de Guia na matapang na hinarap ni Gascon ang constitutional mandate ng CHR.
“At a time of unprecedented human rights challenges, Chair Chito courageously and steadfastly upheld the constitutional mandate of the Commission. Amidst the unrelenting attacks against the institution and to him personally, he was unwavering and unflinching in fighting for the universal values of freedom, truth, and justice that are essential in the pursuit of human rights. He was undaunting in the fight for human rights, rule of law, and democracy out of deep reverence to the equal rights and dignity of all,” pahayag ni de Guia.
“His leadership in the Commission has inspired and nurtured a culture of enabling, empowering, and safe environment that move CHR personnel to always serve with genuine compassion or Serbisyong may Malasakit, utmost integrity, and excellence. He impressed upon the CHR personnel and fellow human rights workers the impact and value of our work especially to those who have it least,” dagdag ng opisyal.