Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Human Rights Status in the Philippines

Malacanang cited the significant decrease in the cases of extrajudicial killings in the country as it attributed this development to the continuous and coordinated efforts of various government agencies under the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC), tasked to work on cases of abuse.

In a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the government has been seriously institutionalizing human rights protection to ensure the adherence to this goal.

"From 2008 to 2011, there were 28 -- 27 cases involving extrajudicial killings that were received by the PNP Task Force USIG. Experts from the European Union have also noted the decrease in the cases specifically at the start of the administration of President Aquino," Valte said.

"It can be attributed to the fact that the agencies have continued to work together. Mas pinaigting po 'yung kooperasyon nila to address 'yang mga ganitong issues. For example, 'yung AFP po natin, to institutionalize human rights protection, came up with the first ever AFP human rights handbook. That it has already been disseminated and is being taught even at training level. The AFP also continues to work with other stakeholders in human rights advocacy groups. Nagpatuloy pa 'yung kanilang consultation, kung ano yang mga nagiging problema at ano ho 'yang mga possible solutions para naman po mabigyan ng resolusyon 'yang mga ganitong kaso," she added.

Valte said that while there is a considerable decrease in numbers, the Aquino administration will incessantly work harder to totally eliminate cases of extrajudicial killings in the country.

She further noted that the PHRC remains focused on its responsibilities and will be presenting its assessment on the developments during the United Nation's Universal Periodic Review.

The Presidential Human Rights Committee is continuing its work in tandem with the Commission on Human Rights. And we intend to present these developments when the Philippine delegation goes for the Universal Periodic Review on May 29, 2012. That would be next week," Valte said.

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