“We condemn to the highest order the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for their barbaric and inhumane action of hostaging inside the Antipolo Memorial Homes the remains of the killed individuals in the Bloody Sunday Massacre.

Victims Melvin Dasigao and Mark Lee Bacascno of SIKKAD-K3, Dumagat brothers Randy and Puroy dela Cruz who were all brutally killed in simultaneous police and military operations early morning Sunday were brought by the PNP CALABARZON to Antipolo Memorial Homes in Sitio Tanag, Barangay San Jose in Antipolo City. The victims’ families and the paralegal team who went to claim the remains were also held hostage since last night. The PNP padlocked the gate of the funeral homes and barred anyone from leaving and entering the premises. A firetruck and an army truck are parked outside the funeral homes.

According to NUPL, the families have complied with all the authorities’ requirements for the retrieval of the bodies and paid the bills to the funeral homes. Yet the funeral homes is still withholding the bodies.

“The families of the victims have the right to claim the remains and give them a proper burial according to their wishes. The victims are from Kasiglahan Village in Montalban but the PNP brought the remains to Antipolo City to further inconvenience the bereaved families. Napakasahol ng ginagawa ng PNP at AFP. They are worse than monsters. Pinatay na nga, hino-hostage pa at ayaw ibigay sa pamilya ang mga biktima,” laments Danilo Ramos.

“To the AFP-PNP: let the bereaved families mourn for their slain loved ones. Humanitarian statutes highlight respect and protection even for the dead. Disrespecting the deceased and the rights and needs of their relatives prolongs their suffering,” appealed Ramos who said that this incident is reminiscent of what the QCPD and NCRPO did to slain NDFP consultant Randy Echanis.

KMP is uniting with broad sectors in demanding justice for the victims of the Bloody Sunday raids. ###