Groups demand justice for slain Batangas working student

MANILA — Various student organizations, artists’ groups, buskers, and establishments in Batangas have joined calls for justice for Charles Usi, a 22-year-old working student who was shot dead in San Jose, Batangas.

Usi was known in Batangas for performing at gigs and busking in bars and coffee shops to help finance his studies at Westmead International School, where he was a third-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student.

In a statement, Beyond Borders, the school’s official publication, described Usi as a gifted musician and a young man with dreams and aspirations.

The publication called for truth, accountability, and justice for Usi.

“We urge the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, so that the truth may come to light and accountability may be pursued through due process,” it said.

Students from Westmead International School’s Public Administration of Development and Excellence organization also joined the calls for justice.

The Association of Junior Artists and Communicators (AJAC), another student organization at the school, expressed grief over Usi’s death and called for justice for their fellow member.

AJAC described Usi as a musician at heart, a hardworking student, and a friend to many. It said he continued to pursue his passion for music by performing in public spaces to earn money and support himself as he worked toward his dreams.

The organization said the circumstances surrounding Usi’s death must be clarified and those responsible held accountable.

“We call for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation so that the truth may come to light and accountability may be pursued through due process. We urge the concerned authorities to take the necessary steps to ensure that the circumstances surrounding his death are properly investigated,” AJAC said.

BUSKtangas, a group of young musicians and buskers based in Batangas, also strongly condemned Usi’s killing.

The group said the incident had left them not only grieving but also fearful for their own safety following the death of a fellow busker.

“Paano kami patuloy na tutugtog sa mga lansangan kung pati ang kaligtasan namin ay hindi na namin matiyak? Paano namin maibabahagi ang aming musika kung may pangambang baka hindi kami makauwi nang ligtas pagkatapos ng bawat pagtatanghal?” the group said.

BUSKtangas urged authorities to deliver justice for their fellow musician.

“Ang hustisya para kay Charles Usi ay panawagan din para sa kaligtasan ng bawat busker at alagad ng sining,” it added.

The Alyansa Para sa Sining sa Kalsada, or APaSiKa, said Usi still had many dreams ahead of him at such a young age.

Through his talent and love for music, Usi brought joy and inspiration to those who heard him perform, the group said.

APaSiKa said losing a fellow artist was painful for their community, particularly under violent circumstances. It added that Usi’s killing had sparked fear and concern among fellow musicians.

“Nakikiisa ang APaSiKa sa BUSKtangas, sa pamilya ni Charles, at sa buong komunidad ng mga musikero sa panawagan para sa mabilis at patas na imbestigasyon, katotohanan, at hustisya. Nawa’y matukoy at mapanagot ang mga responsable sa kaniyang pagkamatay,” APaSiKa said.

Usi was shot at around 9 p.m. by motorcycle-riding gunmen along the national highway in Barangay Banay-Banay 2nd, San Jose, Batangas.

He was riding his motorcycle home from a gig in Lipa City when the suspects reportedly caught up with him and opened fire.

Usi sustained five gunshot wounds to different parts of his body. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Authorities have yet to identify the suspects or establish the motive behind the killing.