EJK victim’s son escapes attempt on his life

Brazenness has typified extra-judicial killings in desperation of muzzling their victims. Relly Bermas of Barangay Malaya, Labo, Camarines Norte has once again confronted this maddening truth as he has narrowly broken away from his killers.

Exactly four months ago, Relly’s mother Merlyn was shot dead in broad daylight by suspected elements of the 49^th Infantry Battalion based in Camarines Norte. Merlyn was then Barangay Captain of Malaya, Labo, a staunch human rights advocate and was a vital witness in the case against 49^th IB’s massacre of the Mancera family.

On December 7, such impunity was again bared when gunmen shot at Relly and his companion while at a meal stop on their trip to Manila. Karapatan-Camarines Norte Coordinator Maricel Delen reported that at around 7 pm, she received a text message along with alerts of missed calls from Relly. Through conversations and text messages, the distraught victim narrated how he was able to elude his killers, but was deeply concerned about his companion’s welfare.

Relly D. Bermas Jr, together with fellow magkakabod (small-scale miner) and Malaya Barangay Councilman Joselito Oreza, were on their way to Manila after having consulted with Karapatan officers in Daet that afternoon. They were to meet with lawyers in a case conference concerning the extra-judicial killing of his mother. According to Relly, as their bus plies the junction of Maharlika and Quirino Highways, a familiar man boarded. Some meters further, the bus turned for a meal stop at Barangay Tabugon, Sta. Elena. As Relly alighted the bus along with Joselito and the other passengers, he again noticed two men who were apparently looking out for someone. Sensing danger, Relly ran off just as he and Joselito were shot at by the two men. He dashed and hid in a dark foliage away from the meal stop, and only until then was he able to seek help and contact the provincial coordinator of Karapatan. He still worries of Kagawad Joselito Oriza’s safety.

Who would want Relly killed? He has no questions of who would benefit his silence. After Kapitana Merlyn’s death, Relly confronted 1^st Lt. Alfie Lee of the 49^th IB with his mother’s murder. He was also strong-minded on filing criminal cases against Kapitana Merlyn’s alleged murderers.  Since then, soldiers have been asking for Relly’s whereabouts, causing him to fail to attend his mother’s burial for fear of harassment. Even until the 49^th IB occupied Brgy. Malaya on November 2012, Peace and Development Teams have likewise been looking for Relly, accusing him of being an NPA supporter, and thereby impeding his livelihood as he has to seek refuge against endangerment from the men of 1^st Lt. Alfie Lee. It is noteworthy that 1^st Lt. Lee was also the commanding officer of the soldiers responsible for the massacre of the Mancera family, also of Brgy. Malaya.

For the meantime, Relly is far from imminent danger, although word has still to be heard about his companion Councilman Oreza. Nonetheless, Relly remains firm in pursuing his fight against violations of human rights. All the more is he determined to file charges against his attackers. The men and the establishment that have wanted him killed have failed on sabotaging the progress of the case against the 49^th IB, and more so on silencing a man fearless in his fight for justice.