Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the armed clash in Negros Occidental
The CHR, through its office in the Negros Island Region, has initiated an independent investigation. Information from local human rights advocates prompted coordination with civil society organizations, local authorities, and security forces, including working with the families for the retrieval of the remains in Toboso and Escalante.
CHR pushes for stronger action and accountability in upholding IHL
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) continues to advocate for stronger, more relevant policies and domestic laws anchored in International Humanitarian Law (IHL), recognising that conflict situations are evolving and becoming increasingly complex with the rise of technological advancements and new modes of warfare. The CHR calls on the government, policymakers, and non-government partners to […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming the implementing guidelines of Executive Order No. 77 and the institutionalization of the Inter-Agency Committee on International Humanitarian Law
As the country’s independent national human rights institution and designated permanent observer to the Inter-Agency Committee on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the issuance of the implementing guidelines of Executive Order (EO) No. 77 and expresses its full support for the institutionalization of the said committee. Through this issuance, […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the observance of International Humanitarian Law month
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) proudly joins the nation in celebrating the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month this August, marking a significant milestone as we also commemorate the 75th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Conventions. This occasion is a historic achievement for the Philippines, which ratified the Four Geneva Conventions and acceded […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights condemning the use of an improvised explosive device by armed rebels in Masbate
Under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), state and non-state combatants are duty bound to ensure that means and methods of armed conflicts are neither excessive nor disproportionate to their objectives. Expedient and feasible precautions must thus be made by parties involved in order to avoid harm to innocent civilians. To this end, the Commission on […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the killing of an NDFP consultant and a peasant organizer in Negros Occidental
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through our office in Region VI, has started an independent probe into the alleged extrajudicial killing of two advocates of peasant rights, namely Ericson Acosta, a consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and an award-winning writer, and his companion, Joseph Jimenez of the Kilusang Magbubukid […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights denouncing the recent attacks of alleged NPA rebels in Visayas
The latest attack allegedly committed by a band of New People’s Army in Jipapad, Eastern Samar on 7 October 2022 is another atrocity that deserves strong condemnation. According to news reports, the rebels made a surprise attack at 1:30 AM, a vulnerable hour when the community is deep in their slumber. Killed were two soldiers, […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, condemning the recent bombings in Mindanao
Over the past days, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has been monitoring the recent bombing incidences occurring in Mindanao. On 26 May, an improvised explosive device (IED) went off inside a public utility bus in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and another blast at a bus terminal in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat. Days later, another bomb […]
Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the alleged military killing of three Lumad in Lianga, Surigao del Sur
The Commission Human Rights (CHR) denounces the killing of three members of the Lumad-Manobo tribe, including a 12-year-old student, in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Our CHR Regional Office in Caraga will dispatch an investigation team to look into the violent death of these indigenous peoples allegedly perpetrated by the military. Under the international humanitarian law […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the death of two individuals in Masbate due to a landmine blast and torching of a bus in North Cotabato
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is now investigating the death of two innocent individuals due to a landmine blast in Masbate on Sunday, 6 June 2021. The victims are Keith Absolon, a football varsity player from the Far Eastern University (FEU) and his cousin, Nolven Absalon. Nolven’s son, 16 years old, also sustained injuries […]
Statement of CHR Region V Director, Atty. Arlene Q. Alangco, on the wounding of a police officer and two civilians caused by an IED blast in Brgy. Danlog, Pilar, Sorsogon
An armed encounter happened at or about 7:30 AM of 22 February 2021 in Barangay Danlog, Pilar, Sorsogon between members of the 92nd SAC, 9SAB, SAF, and an armed group alleged to be CTs. The SAF personnel were in the vicinity to verify an information when their Gazelle truck fired upon an armed engagement ensued […]
Statement of CHR spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline de Guia, in observance of the International Humanitarian Law Month
The International Humanitarian Law (IHL) seeks to mitigate the effects of armed conflict by limiting the methods of warfare and by protecting persons who are not participating in conflict or those no longer participating in it. Although the Philippine Constitution is firm that the country renounces war as an instrument of national policy, embracing IHL […]