The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes and fully supports the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) recent pronouncement to establish a dedicated task force to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) related to the anti-illegal drug campaign of the previous administration.
The CHR acknowledges this initiative, mandated by Department Order No. 778 issued by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, as a meaningful step toward upholding accountability and demonstrating a strong commitment to human rights and the rule of law. We are hopeful that this move will translate to swifter progress and concrete results, including significant increase in the number of resolved EJK cases.
It is also noteworthy that the DOJ is undertaking a review of “cold cases” of extrajudicial killings to determine whether these were rightfully dismissed. DOJ Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon explained that “cold cases” refer to unresolved crimes that have stalled in investigation, often filed as complaints with law enforcement but never progressing to the prosecution stage. By revisiting these cases, the DOJ plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and reinforcing that EJKs will not go unchecked, regardless of how much time has passed.
CHR underscores that the duty of conducting thorough investigations into alleged human rights abuses and violations, including those allegedly committed under state authority, aligns closely with the State’s obligations under both domestic and international human rights frameworks. The Philippines, as a signatory to various international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), is obligated to ensure effective remedies for victims of human rights violations, particularly in cases of arbitrary deprivation of life.
The Commission recognizes the significance of the DOJ’s simultaneous action, alongside and in coordination with legislative bodies, particularly in relation to the ongoing hearings on EJK of the House of Representatives Quad Committee and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. This collaboration is essential to conducting a thorough, evidence-based assessment of each case and ensuring that investigative findings are consistent with established laws and due process.
As the country’s national human rights institution, CHR stands ready to extend support and assistance within the full scope of its institutional mandate and capacity. We look forward to the transparent, impartial, and diligent work of this task force—all for the purpose of ensuring accountability and reinforcing the foundation of human rights and justice for all victims of the anti-illegal drug campaign. ###