Asian Human Rights Commission writes:

“On 28 April 2018, Jerry Turga, 56, was shot to death outside his store in Moises, Padilla, Negros Occidental. Jerry was shot 10 times in his chest and stomach, resulting in his instant death. The three unknown assailants were aboard a motorcycle.

A bystander was also severely wounded in the shooting. His 14-year-old child was able to run inside the house and escaped the shooting.

Prior to the killing, Jerry’s relatives and neighbors noticed suspicious elements, believed to be surveillance agents, in their community asking about Jerry’s activities and whereabouts.

According to Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Negros, they believe that local warlords and state security forces are behind the killing.

Jerry was the Vice Chairperson of Guinpanaan Farmers Association, municipal chapter of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). [Jerry] led land rights campaigns in their area.”

Jerry was similarly a member of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas a democratic organization of landless farmers that seek agrarian reform that fight for the exploited and marginalized rural workers in the Philippines.