Dili, May 22, 2025 (Média Demokrasa) – The Office of the Provedor for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) has called on the General Command of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) to carry out a thorough investigation into the suspected involvement of a police officer in the shooting and killing of a young man named Ronaldinho during a confrontation that occurred in Cailaco Administrative Post.
The Provedor for Human Rights and Justice, Virgilio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan’, stated that on Tuesday, PDHJ’s territorial delegation provided general information regarding the incident, noting that although medical intervention was carried out after the victim arrived at the hospital, they were unable to save Ronaldinho’s life.
“When we heard such news, we felt deep sorrow because it involved a young person who was injured and died. I do not yet know how exactly he died, but before making any assumptions about the situation, we are waiting for the National Police Command of Timor-Leste to take appropriate measures and conduct a thorough investigation to clarify what really happened in Cailaco Post,” said Provedor Virgilio da Silva Guterres ‘Lamukan’ to journalists at the Resistance Museum in Dili this past Wednesday.
Lamukan further explained that the PDHJ is currently waiting for confirmation that the incident occurred due to police intervention, but all matters must await the results of an investigation, as only through investigation can the real motive behind the case be known.
“Regarding the incident, whether it involved shooting or stabbing, the Provedor feels saddened that a young person has lost their life. There should be no reason for someone to die during a national celebration or an event like the 23rd anniversary of the May 20 Restoration of Independence,” said the PDHJ.
He emphasized that what the Provedor believes is important is the state’s capacity to ensure public safety in this peaceful land, including the capability of security authorities to identify potential conflicts that may arise.
“This is the problem when we already know the potential for conflict, we should have the capacity to intervene to prevent it. If we know that in Cailaco, there are different martial arts groups that means there is a potential for conflict. Therefore, our intervention measures must be informed by that awareness,” added PDHJ.
He confirmed that the case has occurred and, although the PDHJ regrets the situation, they have requested the General Command of the Police to conduct an investigation. PDHJ has also sent its territorial delegation and is awaiting a proper investigation into the case.
He further explained that the incident in Cailaco Administrative Post, Bobonaro Municipality, involved a confrontation between two groups during the national celebration of the 23rd anniversary of the May 20 Restoration of Independence, resulting in the death of a young person, allegedly by police gunfire. PDHJ has called for a thorough investigation to fully uncover the truth behind the case.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano