CHR vows support for LGBT

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Human Rights-7 assures members of the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender community that it is willing to assist in complaints of discrimination and violation of human rights against the third sex.

“We are willing to help them if they feel they are being abused,” said Primo Cadampog, CHR chief investigator, who encourages the members of the LGBT anew to raise their rights if they feel humiliated and discriminated by the public. 

Cadampog explained that CHR will be there to investigate and it is up to the complainant to pursue the filing of the case in court. However, the CHR also has the right to file charges if it has substantial evidence supporting the case.

“Mas maayo kung ang complainant desidido unya dunay affidavit ug dunay mga witnesses,” he said.

CHR supposedly had two cases in which respondents were from Cebu province and Cebu City. But both cases did not flourish after the complainants refused to pursue the investigation.

“Dunay kaso nga ang lesbian gibugal-bugalan sa usa ka kalingawan sa barangay unya tungod sa kauwaw wala na siya mipakita kay kinahanglan man ug affidavit ug witnesses unya nakadesidir siya nga dili na lang mupadayun,” Cadampog said.

Recently, Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, 26, a transgender from Olongapo City, was found dead inside a lodge after allegedly spending a night with United States Marine Private First Class Joseph Scott Pemberton.

Pemberton was a crew member of USS Peleliu which docked at Subic Bay to refuel and for the annual US-Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise.

Pemberton is now detained on board the Peleliu along with his three other comrades who will serve as witnesses in the murder case set to be filed against him.  (FREEMAN)