Statement of the Commission on Human Rights expressing deep concern over the alleged misreporting of police blotters in Davao City
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses deep concern over the alleged misreporting of police blotters in Davao City to establish a declining trend in the city’s crime statistics. According to reports, the observed discrepancies in two police log books showed different entry reports, where one listed lesser records or wrong classification of cases as […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights supporting the new PNP chief’s commitment to address criminality through innovation guided by accountability and transparency
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the appointment of Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), effective 1 April 2024. CHR looks forward to the new leadership of PNP Chief Marbil, who expressed his commitment to improve the current progress of the agency in reducing the […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights commending the activation of the PNP virtual helpline for women and children
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) extends its commendation to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the activation of its virtual helpline for women and children who experience abuse, violence, and concerns related to their safety, protection, and empowerment. Dubbed “AlengPulis with the CyberSquad,” this initiative by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group is a significant step […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the dismissal of the police officer involved in the case of the missing beauty queen in Batangas City
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has taken note of recent developments in the case of Batangas City’s missing beauty queen. This is in connection with the dismissal of Police Major Allan De Castor, the alleged suspect in the disappearance of beauty queen Catherine Camilon. Camilon has been missing since October of last year. According […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights welcoming the PNP’s assurance of maximum tolerance during SONA protests
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the statement of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to exercise maximum tolerance in handling the protesters that will conduct rallies during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on 24 July 2023. Law enforcers play an important role in enabling citizens to […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the recent cases of alleged police abuses
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region IX and XI are undertaking a motu propio investigation into the recent separate alleged cases of police abuses. In the municipality of Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, a 16-year old minor was allegedly maltreated by three police officers when he went to a police station to report […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on former President Duterte’s remark to shoot dead the cops that are involved in drugs
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) believes that police officers involved in illegal drugs seriously tarnish and undermine the mandate, credibility, and competence of the Philippine National Police (PNP). It is crucial that accountability must be carried out to its fullest extent when dealing with police officers who commit crime, as well as with other […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights condemning the violent attack by a police officer against his girlfriend in Kidapawan City
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly condemns the deplorable act of police corporal Louie Jay Lumancas, who allegedly mauled and aimed a gun at his girlfriend’s nape in Kidapawan City, as seen in a video circulating on social media. The incident involving the victim, Shaira Basmayor Kahar, is a clear violation of the Convention […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the appeal of the DILG to PNP officials to submit courtesy resignations for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade
While we acknowledge Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.’s expeditious approach, it must be stressed that accountability must be carried out to its fullest extent. A resignation or removal from office may only be the first step in the pursuit of justice, and not an omission of liability. In […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the reported incident of police visiting media at their homes
We note the proactive effort of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in ensuring media safety by initiating unannounced house visits, albeit raising concerns, following the killing of journalist Percy Lapid. We welcome the directive of NCRPO chief PBGen Jonnel Estomo to stop and refrain such practice, including the ongoing investigation on the incident. […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights expressing grave concern on the reported hostage incident involving former Senator Leila De Lima
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is gravely concerned on the reported incident of former CHR Chair and Senator Leila De Lima being held hostage today, 9 October 2022, at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center by three other detainees. While initial information reaching CHR share that Senator De Lima is now safe, it […]
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the alleged torture that resulted to the death of a detainee under the custody of Barira police station in Maguindanao
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), in coordination with the Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission, is conducting a motu propio probe on the alleged torture that resulted to the death of 25-year-old Johairie Maongco Dagalangit inside the detention facility of the Barira Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Maguindanao. Based on initial reports, Dagalangit voluntarily surrendered to […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the PNP Chief’s reminder to value the preservation of life
Time and again, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has stressed and cited evidence that a human rights-based approach to criminal justice establishes a high success rate in reducing redicivism as well as ensuring safety for communities. We note further that such an approach is in line with the Philippine Government and the United Nations’ […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, lauding the Supreme Court for upholding Writ of Amparo as protection against extralegal killings
Principal to the pursuit of truth and justice is the unconditional regard for every person’s fundamental rights to life, liberty, and security—even if an individual is arrested for an alleged criminal offense. It is with this guiding principle that the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) lauds the declaration of the Supreme Court (SC) affirming the […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, welcoming the Chief Executive’s reminder to the national police on impartiality and the reasonable use of force
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is the country’s national police force mandated by law to, among others, enforce the law, maintain peace, order, and security in our communities while preventing and investigating crime. This mandate demonstrates the duties of government in ensuring that the rule of law is adhered to, and the rights of every […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, in support of the new PNP chief’s program to reform the national police
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has the mandate to serve and protect the people through law enforcement, crime control and prevention, peace and order, and internal security and safety. These noble functions necessitate credibility, integrity, and competence as with any public duties worthy of public trust. In recent years, there have been many reported cases […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the death of a student allegedly shot by a non-uniformed police personnel in Davao City
A motu proprio investigation is being conducted by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region XI following the death of a 19-year old male student, Amier Mangcop, after allegedly receiving seven gun shots fired by suspect Marvin Rey Pepino, a doctor and non-uniformed personnel of the Philippine Regional Office (PRO) in Davao, during a […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the delay in the implementation of the arrest warrant for those accused in the killing of businessman Diego Bello Lafuente
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over the considerable delay in the implementation of the warrant of arrest for the three police officers allegedly involved in the death of Spanish businessman Diego Bello Lafuente (). This delay, despite the accused officers having been informed of the charges against them and the issuance […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the arrest of environmental defender in Laguna
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through its Regional Office in Region IV-A, is already conducting a motu propio investigation into the arrest of environmental defender and activist Daisy Macapanpan on Saturday, 11 June 2022 in Pakil town, Laguna. According to reports, she was arrested after delivering a speech protesting the construction of the Ahunan […]
Statement of CHR Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, on the Philippine National Police’s statement on only allowing pro-admin rallyists during the upcoming presidential inauguration
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses concern over the recent remarks of the acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr, that the PNP will have ‘no problem’ with rally attendees as long as they chant support for the incoming President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He further commented against those […]
Statement of Executive Director, Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia, welcoming the PNP’s swift punitive action on several of its violating officers
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) recent recommendations and swift action in response to recent grave violations and misconduct committed by several of its officers. The cases reported included the following: the molestation of a male minor inside a police precinct; the harassment of a Grade 12 female student; […]