UN rights chief urges public release of 'drug war' review findings
MANILA, Philippines — United Nations rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Thursday called on Philippine authorities to make public the findings of their review of anti-drug operations that have resulted in deaths.
"I encourage publication of the panel's findings so its work can be evaluated," Bachelet said at the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council, where she gave updates on the technical assistance extended to the Philippines to address its human rights situation.
"We encourage [them] to also involve the national human rights commission and other relevant actors including by sharing information on cases under investigation to ensure an effective and victim-centered process."
The panel led by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has so far submitted two reports to President Rodrigo Duterte.
The first covered operations that resulted in deaths in central and southern Luzon, and in major cities. The second reviewed 52 administrative cases from the police Internal Affairs Service involving 154 cops in deadly “drug war” operations.
Guevarra said in that the panel's initial report noted that police failed to follow protocols in many anti-drug operations. That report was forwarded to the Palace but not released to media or the public. The findings of the second review remain confidential, as Guevarra insisted on getting clearances from the president and from the Philippine National Police leadership.
'ICC probe highlights limitations of domestic remedies'
Bachelet also welcomed the International Criminal Court's decision to open a full probe into alleged violations committed in the Philippines from 2011 to 2019. Rights group Human Rights Watch said this period covers the "Davao Death Squad" killings when the president was still mayor of Davao City.
"This process brings into sharp focus the issue of the ability and willingness of domestic accountability mechanisms to produce clear and measurable results," she said.
Set up in 2002, the ICC is meant as a court of last resort and only becomes involved in probing the world's worst crimes if its member states are unable or unwilling to do so.
Duterte has said the Philippines will not cooperate with the ICC investigation but has also said that he will prepare his defense in Davao City once his presidential term expires.
Bachelet: Rights violations in the Philippines still severe, disturbing
While she lauded as positive developments Supreme Court orders that limit Manila and Quezon judges' powers "to issue warrants outside their judicial regions and requiring police officers to wear body cameras when serving warrants," Bachelet said she remains "disturbed by continuing and severe human rights violations across the country."
The UN rights chief flagged in particular alleged abuses perpetrated by security forces in anti-drug and anti-insurgency operations.
"Killings by alleged vigilantes also continue to be reported, with virtually no information about any form of accountability," Bachelet said.
"We have also received reports of abuses by the New People's Army of the Communist Party of the Philippines, including the killing of civilians, recruitment of children, and extortion."
She also said that human rights defenders, environmental defenders, journalists, union activists, church workers, humanitarian workers, judges, and lawyers "continue to be at high risk of harassment, threats, and killing."
Bachelet added that she was "deeply concerned" by reports of red-tagging in the country.
"As the Philippines heads into an election year, I urge all sides to set aside the ugly rhetoric and destructive narratives that label human rights defenders, attack independent media or condone extrajudicial killings and other abuses," she said.
"The government should take action to ensure free civic space and protection for those who engage in peaceful civic action and debate at this particularly important time." — with reports from Kristine Joy Patag
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