As more details emerge from the recent Senate Blue Ribbon sub-committee proceedings, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) hopes that these efforts will ultimately bring accountability to the perpetrators and all those involved in extrajudicial killings (EJK) during the previous administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.
The Commission remains optimistic that the testimonies and sworn statements presented in the Senate hearings, along with the Quad Committee hearings in the House of Representatives, will help bring full justice to all.
Additionally, the Commission, under the 6th Commission en banc, endeavors to determine the accountable officers and individuals, in pursuit of truth and justice, as more come forward to shed light on events surrounding the campaign on illegal drugs.
In light of recent revelations, CHR expresses deep concern over the testimony of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who confessed that he would “rather have suspected drug dealers killed” than allow them due process and admitted to encouraging law enforcement in the past to taunt suspects to justify “neutralizing” them. The Commission has long condemned such statements, which embolden law enforcers and foster a culture of abuse and impunity.
These remarks align with the findings in CHR’s April 2022 report on the anti-illegal drug campaign, which highlighted a pattern of law enforcers alleging that victims either initiated aggression or resisted arrest (“nanlaban”). This is a clear violation of Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which upholds every person’s inherent right to life and their right to legal protection.
The Philippine Constitution’s Bill of Rights likewise safeguards the right to life and liberty, guaranteeing equal protection under the law. Additionally, both the ICCPR (Article 14) and the Constitution (Section 14) affirm the right to a fair trial, including the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and entitlement to an independent and impartial trial.
The Commission remains steadfast in protecting the rights of the Filipino people, including their right to a safe community and the need to address the proliferation of illegal drugs. However, it is crucial that such efforts do not transgress fundamental rights, especially the primordial right to life and the right to due process. We continue to stress the importance of addressing the root causes of the illegal drug problem and implementing a holistic approach for a sustainable, long-term solution.
As questions surrounding the past administration’s drug war continue to be addressed, CHR calls on all stakeholders and agencies, including the Philippine National Police, to cooperate fully to uncover the complete truth. Though the pursuit of justice may be complex and painstaking, the Commission remains steadfast in its mandate for the protection and promotion of the rights of all. ###