Investigation efforts by CHR 7 diverge into two distinct inquiries
The Commission on Human Rights in Central Visayas (CHR 7) has initiated two separate investigations following two separate incidents that have sparked public debate and concern.
The first investigation involves Dumanjug Mayor Efren Guntrano "Gungun" Gica, who was filmed in a confrontation with the father of a cyberpornography victim on Aug. 19, 2025. The viral video, posted by Mayor Gica himself, has raised questions about his actions and sparked a wave of public outrage.
CHR Special Investigator Maria Voy Belen is leading the probe into Mayor Gica's actions, which include the "shaming incident" filmed on Aug. 19, 2025. The CHR 7's investigation aims to look into the reasons behind Mayor Gica's actions and determine if they amounted to a human rights violation.
In a related development, another investigation is underway against a couple accused of exploiting their minor child. An online complaint reached the CHR on Aug. 26, leading to the opening of a motu proprio investigation. CHR Special Investigator Maria Voy Belen is also handling this probe, and another investigator has been assigned to look into the couple's violations.
The Dumanjug police chief assured Belen that the couple, who are in custody, would be protected and encouraged to cooperate in the investigation. The search results do not provide the name of the person conducting the investigation against the allegation of exploitation of a minor.
The CHR 7 will begin taking formal affidavits in the coming days for both investigations. The investigations come at a time when Mayor Gica had issued an ultimatum for anyone involved in child abuse or similar crimes to surrender voluntarily by Aug. 28. Starting Aug. 29, he warned that arrests would follow.
The footage has sparked public debate, with many calling for Mayor Gica's resignation. Meanwhile, the CHR 7 remains committed to ensuring that all investigations are conducted fairly and transparently, with the aim of upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.
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