Implementing rules of new law vs enforced disappearances out

MANILA, Philippines - All is set for the implementation of the new law against enforced disappearances.

The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10353 or the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act were jointly promulgated by concerned government agencies and private stakeholders at the Department of Justice (DOJ) last Feb. 12.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the IRR was a “product of extensive consultation with other stakeholders not otherwise named in the Anti- Enforced Disappearance Act.”

A committee composed of representatives from the DOJ, Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND) and Families of Desaparecidos for Justice drafted the IRR.

DSWD Undersecretary Florita Villar and CHR chair Etta Rosales joined the signing of the document.

The IRR of the law published last Dec. 29 guides implementing agencies on “how to promote, protect and fulfill the rights of the victims of enforced disappearance.”

It lists the duties of the DOJ, CHR and DSWD, including reporting of victims of enforced disappearance and certifying results of inquiry and regular recording of cases.

Among the key provisions of RA 10353 are the rights of victims to immediately access effective communication, to restitution of honor and reputation, to seek and be awarded compensation by the Board of Claims, and to formulate a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

De Lima said the task of the committee does not end with the completion of the rules.

“The next wave of engagement by this committee should focus on the full and complete dissemination of the law and IRR. This is important to send a message across that this government is dead serious about obliterating the culture of impunity and affording justice to those victims who were all painfully deprived of the simple blessing of living ordinary lives,” she added.