The Commission on Human Rights notes the announcement naming National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Police Major Gen. Debold Sinas as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) effective Tuesday, 10 November 2020.

CHR hopes that, under the new leadership, PNP will affirm the government’s commitments to uphold justice and human rights by pursuing every case of human rights violation. We cannot overemphasize the role of our law enforcers in making perpetrators accountable for their offenses. And, to this end, we also look forward to concrete actions from the PNP in realizing openness and genuine cooperation in investigating said human rights violations—even in cases when State officers and agents are allegedly implicated in their commission. This includes cleaning up police ranks from erring officers, as well as instilling respect for human rights in their core.

At the turn of a new phase for the PNP, we remain steadfast in extending the hand of partnership so that, together, concrete and credible actions may be laid down in the interest of upholding the human rights of all. May the PNP continue to affirm its motto to “serve and protect”; live by the core values of Service, Honor and Justice; and be exemplars and advocates of the rule of law, most especially in communities where the voiceless, disadvantaged, and marginalised look up to the government to deliver a sense of justice and dignity as duty-bearers for our rights. ###