Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming DOJ’s task force to investigate, prosecute, and conduct case buildup on the victims of extrajudicial killings
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 […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights calling for full accountability of perpetrators in the drug war campaign
As more details emerge from the recent Senate Blue Ribbon sub-committee proceedings, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) hopes that these efforts will ultimately bring accountability to the perpetrators and all those involved in extrajudicial killings (EJK) during the previous administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign. The Commission remains optimistic that the testimonies and sworn statements presented […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the recent findings of the House Quad Committee in relation to its investigation on extrajudicial killings
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses optimism with the recent developments in the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee (QuadComm) hearings concerning the reported cases of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the context of the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign. The CHR is closely monitoring the testimonies and emerging pieces of evidence, which may contribute to […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming the Caloocan court’s ruling against the four cops for the extrajudicial killing of father and son in Manila
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the recent verdict by the Caloocan Court, which found four police officers guilty of homicide in connection with the 2016 killing of a father and his son during an anti-drug operation in Manila. The victims, Luis Bonifacio, aged 45, and his son Gabriel Bonifacio, aged 19, were shot […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming the DOJ’s expression of commitment in addressing EJK and other grave human rights violations
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the statement of the Department of Justice (DOJ) emphasizing its commitment to safeguard human rights and combat extrajudicial killings (EJKs) and other grave human rights violations. The U.S. Department of State’s recognition of the significance of EJKs as a major concern highlights the need for prompt and decisive […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming the court’s acquittal of Efren Morillo of direct assault charge
The decision of Quezon CIty Metropolitan Trial Court (MeTC) Branch 133 to acquit Efren Morillo, a known drug war survivor, of the charge of direct assault is a testament to the importance of pursuing truth so that justice may prevail. The court’s verdict came six years after officers from Quezon City police allegedly conducted a […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming the Navotas Court’s conviction against police officer Jefrey Sumbo Perez for the murders of teenagers Carl Arnaiz and Reynaldo de Guzman
On 13 March 2023, Navotas Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 287 found police officer Jefrey Sumbo Perez guilty, beyond reasonable doubt, for the murders of Carl Angelo Arnaiz, 19, and Reynaldo “Kulot” de Guzman, 14, under the previous administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. Navotas RTC convicted Perez to reclusion perpetua, or imprisonment of up to […]
Statement of CHR Commissioner Gwen Pimentel Gana on the brazen and brutal drug-related killings and the need for genuine government investigations
It can be recalled that the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights in June 2020 has called the attention of the Philippine Government on the ‘widespread human rights violation and persistent impunity’ in the country. The Philippine Government in June 2020 has committed to review in particular the 5,655 nanlaban cases and engage […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline de Guia, on the brutal killing of an EJK survivor inside a hospital in Angono, Rizal
On 4 November 2020, Vincent Adia, 27, was reportedly shot twice by a gunman inside the Rizal Provincial Hospital’s Angono Annex where he was being treated for gunshot wounds. Earlier that day, at around 4:00 AM, he was allegedly shot thrice and left to die by the gutter with a cardboard that labeled him a […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the recent SWS survey reflecting majority sentiment of the police being involved in illegal drug trade, planting evidence, and extrajudicial killings
The recent SWS survey results validate the questions that continue to confront the government’s campaign against illegal drugs, particularly on the truth behind the deaths of suspects who allegedly fought back (“nanlaban”), planting evidence, and, worse, allegations of the police themselves being involved in the illegal drug trade. Such allegations are causes of grave concerns, […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the court’s decision on the Kian Loyd Delos Santos case
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the guilty verdict of the court against the cops involved in the death of 17-year old boy Kian Loyd Delos Santos. The decision marks the triumph of the rule of law, especially in the face of the growing number of deaths allegedly linked to the government’s drug campaign. […]
Statement of CHR Chairperson, Jose Luis Martin ‘Chito’ Gascon, on the court’s verdict on the Kian Loyd Delos Santos case
We welcome the trial court’s conviction of Kian’s killers and thank all those who assisted in securing justice in this case—particularly the courageous eye witnesses, the church workers, and human rights defenders who offered sanctuary, and the investigators and prosecutors who performed their duty. We call on the government to step up their efforts in […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the Supreme Court decision ordering PNP to submit data on anti-illegal drugs campaign
Press Release | 6 April 2018 We welcome and support the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) ordering the Philippine National Police (PNP) to submit data on the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. It is a step forward in ensuring that the rule of law still prevails in our country. But, equally important, is on how […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights calling for the strengthening of our justice system in addressing the culture of impunity in the Philippines
09 October 2017 PRESS STATEMENT Statement of the Commission on Human Rights calling for the strengthening of our justice system in addressing the culture of impunity in the Philippines The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urges the government to act on the appalling number of extrajudicial killing cases in the country, and instead of […]