Human rights body urges PNP to address ‘doubts about anomalous detentions’

MANILA – The Human Rights Commission on Sunday urged police to address complaints of “anomalous detentions” as they denounced the apprehension of journalists and union organizers on International Human Rights Day.

Those arrested last Thursday were allegedly in possession of illegal firearms and explosives, CHR spokeswoman Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.

He also cited the deaths of peace consultants Agaton Topacio and Eugenia Magpantay, who allegedly resisted arrest and exchanged gunfire with the Philippine National Police despite being sick and elderly.

“These arrests are cause for concern given that there were statements from family members and concerned personalities alleging irregularities and errors in such operations, including the fact that the arrests were made amid red labels on human rights workers and activists,” he said.

The commission urged the PNP to address “doubts and complaints of anomalous detentions” as the government had already stated “here and abroad its commitment to respect and protect the human rights of all.”

“These commitments must be translated into real reforms, including effective redress mechanisms to address similar complaints and different human rights violations,” De Guía said.

“Because if these promises remain words, then not only would we fail in the cause of human rights, but this would also empty the primary claims of the government that it will fulfill its obligation to defend the rights of all.”