The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) remains open in helping the government address the many forms of human rights violations happening in the country, including the string of arrests and deaths of several activists in Calabarzon.

We have repeatedly urged the government to translate commitments to respect and uphold human rights to actual reduction of violence on the ground. Words will mean nothing if deaths and violations of human rights will continue to persist.

At the same time, we have strongly cautioned the government against using words and pronouncements that may encourage impunity and violence, such as encouragement to kill and disregard human rights. Thus far, red-tagging has shown how it puts the lives of activists and human rights defenders at risk, with others suffering harassment, intimidation, and even death.

We welcome the pronouncements from the Secretary of Justice, Menardo Guevarra, that they shall be investigating the case of arrests and deaths in Calabarzon.

CHR also encourages the continuing probe of all deaths said to have resulted because the victims fought back or those said to be ‘nanlaban—may they be in the context of the anti-drug campaign, in serving warrants, or in other police and military operations.

CHR, as the country’s independent national human rights institution, looks forward to a meaningful engagement with the Philippine Government. As the government claims a functioning CHR in the country, we hope that we can finally hurdle restrictions on accessing case files and information on the many human rights violations we also seek to investigate in the interest of truth and seeking justice. ###