HK group calls for justice for slain IP leader

MANILA, Philippines - A Church-based group in Hong Kong has joined several human rights groups in calling for justice for a slain leader of an indigenous group in Mindanao.

Kowloon Union Church council member Ramon Bultron called on President Benigno Aquino III to serve justice to Cristina Morales Jose and all victims of extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations in the Philippines.

"The Kowloon Union Church joins the many human rights advocates and peace-loving people in the Philippines and around the world in condemning the recent killing of Cristina Morales Jose," Bultron said in a statement.

Jose, a leader of the group Barug Katawhan and a barangay councilor of Brgy. Binondo, Bangaga in Davao Oriental, Mindanao, was shot dead by a motorcycle-riding assassin on March 4, in her own village.

"We in the KUC call on the President Aquino to find it in his hearts the will and the strength to give justice to the brutal slaying of Cristina Morales Jose and all the victims of human rights violations.

"The way towards justice and peace is hard, painful and full of challenges but it is never impossible to reach it," Bultron added.

Jose was one of the leaders in Davao who demanded the Department of Social Welfare and Development to immediately release the sacks of rice to the people affected by typhoon Pablo, which devastated parts of Mindanao.