MANILA, Philippines - Anti-torture advocacy groups on Wednesday called on the Aquino administration to make the country a 'torture-free zone.'
Members of the United Against Torture Coalition-Philippines made the appeal in light of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture celebration which is on its seventh year.
The UATC-Philippines is led by Amnesty International-Philippines, Balay Rehabilitation Center, Medical Action Group and Task Force Detainees of the Philippines.
"Among others, we need to ensure that all authorities including jail staff are fully aware of the Anti-Torture Law that reported violations will not be tolerated and will be investigated, and that perpetrators will be prosecuted.
"While we laud the government on the enactment of the Anti-Torture Law in November 2009, it has so far been implemented without diligence and effectiveness since many torture allegations have not been effectively investigated by authorities and detainees who are in custody do not have immediate access to legal and medical services," Ernesto Anasarias, UATC spokesperson and executive director of Balay Rehabilitation Center, said.
Anasarias noted that while many agencies have a mandate to investigate complaints of torture and ill-treatment, there is still a high number of complaints of torture and ill-treatment by law enforcers.
He also raised the issue of the limited number of investigations carried out by the government in such cases, and the very limited number of convictions in those cases which are investigated.
He also reiterated the concerns on the increasing complaints in relation to the implementation of the Anti-Torture Law which has revealed various different deficiencies from documentation, investigation to prosecution of torture cases.