CHR-Negros Or to probe HR violations vs Canadian

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Human Rights in Negros Oriental was directed to investigate alleged human rights violations against a Canadian national, whose accusations about Dumaguete went viral in the social media.

CHR field investigator Jess Cañete has confirmed that the directive came from the CHR central office where Canadian national Mark Cohen directed his complain.

Cañete said Cohen wanted the immediate withdrawal of a resolution approved by the City Council declaring him persona non-grata due to statements he posted on social media that the council said has been detrimental to the city government.

Cohen, who claimed to be a person with disability, along with his dog was refused entry in one of the establishments in Dumaguete as an existing policy. The Canadian did not file any complaint at the CHR, but Cañete said he was surprised later on that the CHR central office has called his attention on the matter.

Cañete clarified that his office has no jurisdiction, or cannot just ask the city council to withdraw the resolution against Cohen, who incidentally is facing deportation proceedings by the Bureau of Immigration.

In previous sessions, Cohen with his lawyer Joel Obar asked the City Council for reconsideration of its resolution, but this was denied. — Juancho R. Gallarde (FREEMAN)