The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), led by Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc, attended a consultation meeting with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) held at the PNP Headquarters, Camp Crame, Quezon City, on 25 July 2025. The CHR delegation was warmly received with arrival honors by the PNP.

Present during the consultation meeting were PNP Chief, Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, Congresswoman Leila de Lima, NAPOLCOM Commissioner Atty. Rafael Vicente R. Calinisan, and CHR Executive Director Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia, along with key officials and representatives from the involved institutions.

The consultation meeting served as a platform for open dialogue, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment on key areas such as human rights protection, law enforcement reforms, and mechanisms for cooperation and accountability.

One such area discussed was the pursuit of transitional justice for the victims and families affected by extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the past administration’s nationwide anti-illegal drug campaign. This involves efforts to uphold truth-telling, ensure accountability, pursue institutional reform, and provide reparations to victims and their families.

The discussion also emphasized that developing a comprehensive transitional justice mechanism requires first acknowledging the human rights violations during the anti-illegal drug campaign.

The Commission also had the opportunity to witness and observe the PNP’s 5-minute response demonstration through the 911 emergency hotline. The CHR expresses hope that this initiative continues to improve and expands its accessibility, especially to vulnerable and underserved communities.

Meanwhile, CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc underscored the need to shift public perception about the Commission and its role in governance:

“We have seen how CHR and human rights defenders have been vilified and considered as anti-government. Kung maaari po sana, tanggalin natin yung misconception na ‘yun. More than a watchdog, kami po ay may bridging role as an independent national human rights institution. Kami po ay katulong ninyo upang maging maayos ang ating paninilbihan sa sambayanang Pilipino,” he said.

In this note, the Commission acknowledges and commends the PNP’s openness to engagement and cooperation. CHR likewise stands firm in its constitutional mandate to uphold and protect human rights at all times.

The CHR hopes this leads to greater coordination and unified action for human rights and good governance. ###