28 May 2017
PRESS STATEMENT

Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the President’s rape joke and current human rights situation in Marawi City

Rape is never a joke. Women—especially those poor and vulnerable who bear the brunt of the ongoing violence on the ground—are not objects of ridicule either.

It is in this context that the Commission on Human Rights condemns the President’s recent remarks before the military troops in Iligan City assuring his protection over soldiers who may commit rape during Martial Law in Mindanao.

We urge the government and our security forces—the police and military alike—to remain faithful to their roles as defenders of human rights and the dignity of all, regardless of the circumstance. We encourage their faithful adherence to the recent guidelines set by the Department of National Defense and the Philippine National Police asserting the rule of law and the primacy of human rights, especially during the rule of Martial Law.

The Commission shall continue monitoring the human rights situation on the ground through our regional offices, as we stand by the protection and promotion of human rights of both civilians and our troops.

We express our sympathies to the families and friends who have lost loved ones in the ongoing crossfires. And, in the end, as we work toward the immediate resolution of this conflict, may we all unite in preventing further victimization of the vulnerable and marginalized—be it through words or deeds—especially at this time when the Islamic City of Marawi joins the rest of the Muslims around the world in observing the holy month of Ramadan.■

Contact Person:

Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia
Director, Public Affairs and Strategic Communication Office
Telephone No: (02) 928-5792 / 09175919833
Email address: comms.chr@gmail.com