The Commission on Human Rights acknowledges the announcement of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra regarding the release of the partial report conducted by a high-level inter-agency panel of the thousands of deaths resulting from the conduct of recent anti-illegal drug operations.

We consider the government’s action as a step towards ensuring accountability and addressing impunity. However, we regret that the Commission on Human Rights was not involved in the review, contrary to the commitments and assurances made by the government during the 44th Session of the Human Rights Council. This is an unfulfilled promise to Filipinos and the entire community of nations.

The government then announced that “as with all human rights-related mechanisms in the country, the Commission on Human Rights would be involved in its capacity as an independent monitoring body” and would play an important role in the high-level inter-agency panel. The panel was likewise meant to “engage with affected families and provide them with legal options and assistance in the criminal prosecution of law enforcers who have overstepped legal bounds in their operations.”

As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the Commission is committed in supporting the Philippine government’s efforts to ensure accountability and transparency, prevent impunity, and improve the human rights situation on the ground. Despite persistent challenges, the Commission has never closed its doors to opportunities for cooperation with government. We have respectfully, diligently, consistently, and repeatedly asked the Department of Justice concerning the role of the Commission on Human Rights in the said panel.

We strongly urge the Government to publicize the findings as transparency is key to ensure the credibility of the said report. This will allow victims and their families to access crucial information in the process of obtaining justice. We reiterate our openness and willingness to engage with the government in this process.

It is our view that the best way in improving the human rights situation in the country is through inclusive and constructive engagement between the government, independent monitoring mechanisms, and civil society.