The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) denounces the death threat sent to Bonifacio Ilagan, an activist and playwright, whose works are critical of the rights abuses committed during the Martial Law period and the disinformation propagated to make light of grievous human rights violations. The caller behind this threat allegedly asked Ilagan to “stop” what he was doing. Ilagan further claimed that the caller said that carrying out the threat required only the approval of his higher-ups.

Ilagan is a Martial Law survivor who suffered mental and physical torture at the hands of his captors. His sister was also one of the many victims of enforced disappearance that occurred during this period of impunity and strife.

In light of the 1987 Constitution and the country’s commitment to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), the government has the primary responsibility to guarantee that such abuses never occur again in present times. CHR also reminds the government that it is responsible for protecting artists’ rights and freedoms.

The Commission stresses that in a democratic country, it is only natural for different, sometimes conflicting, political perspectives to emerge in matters of history and the arts. It is in the interest of the State to protect the freedom of expression in these spaces of discourse from threats of violence. Conflicting opinions often facilitate the synthesis of a peaceful, democratic middle ground.

CHR, through its National Capital Region office, has already taken steps to investigate the death threat against Ilagan. We commend our law enforcement counterparts who are also looking into this case. The Commission stands against any form of intimidation, harassment, and threat to life which assaults people’s freedom and dignity. ###