January 26, 2016
STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED IRREGULARITIES
IN THE ARREST OF LOWELL MENORCA II
The Commission on Human Rights expresses great concern over the reports of alleged irregularities in the arrest of Mr. Lowell Menorca II and the possible strategic abuse of legal processes to quell legitimate grievances. Any report of blatant and public disregard of constitutionally-guaranteed rights of the accused and detained persons, especially if alleged to be committed by state security forces acting on private interests, is a grave and severe matter that merits the full attention of the Commission. The alleged abuses do not only impact the rights of an individual but has such overarching implications and consequences that undermine the very foundation of our country’s criminal justice system and cast doubts on the rule of law as a pillar of our democratic system. The allegations, if indeed true, also send a chilling effect that could silence the voice of dissent against abuses and exploitations. The Commission shall not sit idly and allow these adverse consequences to come to fruition.
To help regain the public’s trust in our criminal justice system and law enforcement agencies and in line with its oversight mandate, the Commission on Human Rights is calling on the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to immediately investigate the complaints raised by Mr. Menorca and his family and undertake appropriate actions as its findings may warrant. The Commission on Human Rights is also calling on the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court to determine if there is truth to the claim that legal processes are being strategically employed to quell rights and legitimate grievances. These investigations would provide all stakeholders the chance to air their grievances, ferry out the truth, clear their names and determine accountability if circumstances deem it necessary. The Commission on Human Rights shall closely monitor these investigations.
The Commission on Human Rights further calls on all stakeholders and concerned agencies to refrain from actions that could only further create confusion and cast doubt on our institutions of justice.
We have to ensure that rights are respected; truth is illuminated and accountability determined.
Ref:
Office of the Chairperson
Tel nos. 9285655; 9266188