13 August 2017
PRESS STATEMENT
Statement of the Commission on Human Rights on the government’s measures in pursuing personalities involved in illegal drugs
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) supports the government’s campaign in combating the possible dangers brought about by the use, sale, production, and distribution of illegal drugs in the country.
But the CHR expresses concern over the use of “drug boxes” to collect names of suspected drug users and/or pushers. Some local government units now also resort to posting “drug-free home” stickers through peace and order councils at the barangay level.
The Commission fears that the manner of pursuing personalities involved in illegal drugs violates the Bill of Rights of the Philippine Constitution, infringing on their human rights guaranteed under local law and applicable international law.
The information collected through the “drop boxes” — while serves as tips or leads to the police — may expose an individual to mistaken arrest if the information is not verified and court processes are not involved. In the same way, residents of a house with no drug-free sticker may be unduly discriminated and/or tagged as drug-users/pushers without due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution. This also violates the right of any person to be heard before he/she is condemned. A person’s honor, as well as the reputation of his/her family, would also be harmed.
We would like to remind both local and national security authorities that “in the performance of their duty, law enforcement officials shall respect and protect human dignity and maintain and uphold the human rights of all persons,” (Section 2 of the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials) and that the individual’s right to privacy, human dignity, and equal treatment before the law (without discrimination) are enshrined, protected, and guaranteed not only by the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, but likewise by international covenants.
We recognize the vitality of any community-based program, which aims to highlight that peace and order is a shared responsibility of every Filipino, and that concerned citizens and sectors can proactively help the government in its campaign against crime and illegal drugs. But the CHR remains firm that authorities must ensure that these measures are not, in any way, violative of the Constitution and other human rights standards.
The Commission continues to be watchful of the measures and procedures that are implemented.
The Commission is also hopeful that the government will continue to re-examine its anti-drug campaign and adopt a strategic and comprehensive, but human rights-based approach.■
Contact Person:
Atty. Jacqueline Ann C. de Guia
Director, Public Affairs and Strategic Communication Office
Telephone No: (02) 928-5792 / 0977 284 0787
Email address: comms.chr@gmail.com