The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses optimism with the recent developments in the House of Representatives’ Quad Committee (QuadComm) hearings concerning the reported cases of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the context of the Duterte administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

The CHR is closely monitoring the testimonies and emerging pieces of evidence, which may contribute to our own ongoing investigations. We are hopeful that the Quad Committee’s inquiry will lead to tangible progress in advancing justice for the victims of EJKs. Given the considerable challenges the CHR faced during the past administration, we are encouraged that the current socio-political climate offers a more conducive environment for the resolution of these cases.

It cannot be overemphasized that justice and accountability must be pursued considering the significant number of alleged EJK cases as well as the alleged involvement of high-profile personalities. After years of raising concerns over the anti-drug campaign and relentless call for accountability, the CHR welcomes these promising developments that may contribute to the long-awaited pursuit of justice.

CHR, as one of the resource speakers in the Quad Committee, reaffirms its commitment to fully support and cooperate with the ongoing investigation. We stand ready to aid the Quad Committee in their undertaking by sharing our investigation reports and findings in the pursuit of truth and accountability.

The recent revelation of the retired police colonel Royina Garma on the “reward system” in the implementation of the anti-drug campaign affirms the findings of the CHR in its report[1] “that police operatives involved in the said incidents are either to be awarded, rewarded, or recognised.” We reiterate the urgency of thoroughly investigating this reward system, as it is crucial in understanding the scope and depth of the violations committed during the campaign.

CHR also takes this opportunity to highlight the key findings in our April 2022 [2] comprehensive report on alleged drug-related extra-judicial killings: “that there is a consistent narrative by law enforcers alleging victims initiated aggression or resisted arrest (nanlaban); that there is use of excessive and disproportionate force; that targeted victims were mostly civilians killed in uninhabited locations sustaining gunshot wounds in the heads and/or torso; that there is non-cooperation by the police; and that there is a lack of effective, prompt, and transparent accountability mechanism to address the drug-related killings.”

We expect that the Quad Committee hearing will endeavor to validate and/or corroborate the findings of the Commission. More importantly, we are hopeful that the recommendations of the report will be acted by concerned government bodies towards ascertaining justice and preventing similar widespread human rights violation from happening again. In this regard, CHR acknowledges the recent move in the House of Representative to classify these incidents of killings as heinous crimes as it is a recognition of the grave human rights violations that have transpired, and toward ensuring that justice is served for all the victims and their families. We also note the parallel investigation being explored by the Senate.

As the hearings progress, we reiterate our call upon all relevant institutions to continue their thorough and impartial investigation. Only through collaborative and concerted efforts can we ensure that justice, long delayed, is finally served.

Further, we reiterate the need to ensure the safety and protection of the families of EJK victims and resource persons participating in the Quad Committee hearings. After all, being given the space to deliver their testimonies and affidavits without any fear of violence, intimidation, or retaliation is the appropriate step towards ending a culture of fear and silence and to encourage more families of victims to seek justice.

CHR is encouraged by these recent developments and stands ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure that truth, justice, and accountability are fully realized in addressing the human rights abuses committed during the implementation of the anti-drug campaign. While the road to justice may be long, we are confident that through persistent, collective effort, we can bring about meaningful change and secure justice for the victims and their families.

[1] Statement on the findings of the Commission on Human Rights report on drug-related extrajudicial killings in the country https://chr.gov.ph/statement-of-commissioner-gwendolyn-pimentel-gana-on-the-findings-of-the-commission-on-human-rights-report-on-drug-related-extrajudicial-killings-in-the-country/#ekit_modal-popup-e95fc23

[2] Statement on the release of the CHR’s comprehensive report on alleged drug-related extra-judicial killings https://chr.gov.ph/statement-of-chr-executive-director-atty-jacqueline-de-guia-on-the-release-of-the-chrs-comprehensive-report-on-alleged-drug-related-extra-judicial-killings/