CHR okay for AFP, PNP promotions gets PB nod

CEBU – Provincial Board Member Victor Maambong is supporting the bill requiring enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to first obtain a human rights clearance from the Human Rights Commission prior their promotion or appointment to higher office.

Party-list lawmakers Bayan Muna representatives Satur Ocampo and Teodoro Casino, Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano, and Gabriela representatives Liza Maza and Luzviminda Ilagan, filed House Bill No. 4928, saying the measure will prove detrimental to the careers of AFP and PNP officers and personnel with records of human rights violations, and thus serve as a deterrent against future abuses.

Maambong recently asked the CHR to investigate the killing of Nursing graduate Rachelle Mae Palang and two others in an alleged encounter between soldiers and rebels in Negros Oriental.

Palang hailed from Consolacion town, one of the municipalities under the sixth district, which Maambong represents in the Provincial Board.

The PB member noted dubious circumstances surrounding the incident because Palang was allegedly merely on a medical mission when the incident happened.

In a resolution recently passed, Maambong said that “even granting that the students were engaged in recruitment activities and were armed…this does not excuse the military’s disregard of the rules of engagement."

In the filing of HB 4928, its authors said the main reason for the impunity with which crimes against human rights are committed is the fact that few human rights violations have been investigated and prosecuted especially those committed by members of the AFP or PNP.

“I would support that bill. You do not deserve to hold on to power if you do not respect human rights. You should always honor basic human rights of a person,” Maambong said.

Maambong hopes the measure will help build accountability within the ranks of the military and law enforcement agencies and that there will be greater recognition and respect for human rights.

He said he is still waiting for the results of the Commission on Human Rights’ investigation on Palang’s death.   – Garry B. Lao/WAB (THE FREEMAN)