A group of concerned parents called ‘Liga ng mga Magulang’ held a protest at Liwasang Diokno, a freedom park at CHR’s Central Office, on Thursday, 27 February 2020.
Focal to the issues raised were concerns over the alleged recruitment of minors to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA)’s armed struggle.
After the protest, representatives of the said group, led by Remedios Rosadio, were welcomed inside CHR’s premises for a dialogue. Relissa Lucena was also given the opportunity to air grievances after her daughter Alicia was said to have been recruited and kept away by organisations, which the Liga ng mga Magulang claims to have links with CPP-NPA.
In response, we wish to stress that CHR does not support the recruitment of child soldiers in armed conflict consistent with the principles of the International Humanitarian Law and other domestic pieces of legislation pertaining to the protection of children. The concerned parents were also assured of this fact.
Representatives of concerned parents, Liga ng mga Magulang, were personally received by Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Executive Director, Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia (right), after a protest expressing concern over alleged recruitment of minors to armed conflict by groups said to have with links to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army. Also seen in this photo are (left to right): Julius Ursua, Relissa Lucena, and Remedios Rosadio of the said parents’ group. In the dialogue, the said parents conveyed openness to work with the CHR after being assured of the agency’s commitment to independence and mandate to serve all those seeking its help in upholding human rights, especially the vulnerable, disadvantaged, and marginalised, including our children. ■
CHR, as an independent national human rights institution, tirelessly advocates that everyone be given the opportunity to enjoy and exercise the full extent of their rights. But, at the same time, we equally stress that such exercise of rights has limitations, especially if it veers away from the precepts of the rule of law.
As such, while CHR supports activism as an exercise of one’s freedom of speech and expression, we do not support armed rebellion.
Faithful to its mandate, CHR will continue to be open to all persons—regardless of their race, colour, gender, creed, or political affiliation—who continue to seek truth in every human rights violation.
The public can always expect independent and impartial investigations, including alleged cases minors being recruited to take part in armed conflict by any group, as well as on working on concrete policy reforms and recommendations for government to consider and apply to improve the protection of children in the Philippines.
CHR will continue to speak out against abuses and violations even if it is unpopular. With our strong commitment to our independence and to the rule of law, CHR will not be weaponised by any party or group. We shall remain in service of human rights and dignity of all. ###