The Commission reiterates its supports for the eradication of the drug trade but we stress again that it should not be at the expense of people’s lives and must be carried out within the ambit of law. We hope that the words of the President will not be construed as a license to circumvent due process but will instead serve as a directive to firmly resolve the drug problem in accordance with Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

CHR has always been steadfast in upholding its mandate to investigate cases of human rights breaches, without fear or favor, and we will continue to do so. We support the government on its policies that uphold human rights but we shall step in when the rights of the people are violated. As conscience of the government, we owe it to the people and the vulnerable sectors to act and speak up when basic rights are not respected, especially concerning the primordial right to life.