With the ongoing investigation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the death of flight attendant Christine Angelica Dacera, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) cautions officials to be circumspect in their pronouncements of launching a manhunt operation against suspects without any legal basis such as warrant of arrest.

As much as we all want to immediately find out the truth about Christine’s death, the Commission reminds authorities to abide by their own rules and procedures to not cast any doubt in the regularity of police operations, as actions taken at the onset of the investigation play a pivotal role in the full and transparent resolution of the case. These standards must be carried out in full accordance with the rule of law while ensuring that the rights of all parties involved are respected.

Likewise, the Commission refutes the call to reimpose death penalty if proven that Christine’s death resulted from sexual assault. While perpetrators of rape and other forms of sexual violence must be held accountable, capital punishment would not genuinely address the problem. The lack of access to justice of victims of sexual violence and their families and the long persistence of misogyny and impunity in our society are the root causes of these violations.

The CHR maintains its stance that conviction of criminals and certainty of arrest and punishment are more effective strategies in deterring crime and in delivering justice. Although tempting, imposing draconian punishments for heinous crimes might lead our society and institutions in committing further human rights violations. ###