The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the appointment of PLtGen Archie Gamboa as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

We trust that he will live by his statement of ensuring that all cops uphold due process, human rights, transparency, and public accountability—hopefully, not only under his leadership, but as a legacy of reform among their ranks from hereon.

To note, a recent Social Weather Stations poll shows that 76% of the Filipino people believe that human rights violations continue to confront the administration’s anti-drug campaign, while another 78% of the Philippine population believe in the existence of ‘ninja cops’ or those who sell drugs seized from police operations.

Under this new leadership, we hope that the PNP will rehabilitate its image by showing greater transparency in its operations and faithfully enforcing the law, especially for cases of alleged extrajudicial killings. At the same time, we look forward to greater cooperation from the PNP in investigating cases of human rights violations.

CHR recognises the importance of our police force in protecting everyone’s right to life, liberty, and property and we continuously extend our hand of partnership in the interest of upholding the rights and dignity of all. ###