Tulfo’s shocking encouragement of death squads

I was appalled to read Ramon Tulfo’s column supporting and encouraging death squads that target human rights workers and impoverished street children (“Summary killings: Who’s complaining?” Metro, 6/24/14).

In a civilized society, there can never be justification for the use of death squads acting as judges and executioners, and whose actions are outside the lawful structures of the state.

When operating properly, the lawful structures of the state—legislature, police force and judiciary—should provide the framework for a just society. Death squads controlled by powerful people who hold no respect for human life or the law should not find a voice of support in the Inquirer. The use of death squads is an infringement of lawfulness and decency.

Is this the image the Inquirer wants for itself? I am shocked and sickened that the Inquirer would allow views supporting such illegality and brutality to be published and promoted on its very own pages. I would urge the Inquirer to ensure this never happens again.

—ANNETTE KINNE,

annettekinne@andec.ie

We appreciate your concern. Please be assured that the Inquirer’s editorials and many of its columnists have vigorously opposed extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses. The opinions expressed by individual columnists, however, remain their own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of the Inquirer.

—RAUL C. PANGALANGAN

Inquirer publisher