PNP acknowledges UNHRC call to reevaluate, review rights ‘violations’ in drug war
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it acknowledged the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution which called for the “review and reevaluation” of allegations on human rights violations in the country’s anti-drug campaign.
“The Philippine National Police welcomes the resolution adopted by the United Nations Human Rights Council that spared the Philippines from the international investigation into alleged human rights abuses,” PNP spokesman Col. Ysmael Yu said in a statement, reacting to the recent resolution of the UN body which also called for capacity-building and technical assistance on human rights.
“We acknowledge this manifestation of the UNHRC’s recognition of the Philippine government’s initiatives to review and reevaluate all allegations of human rights violations in the implementation of the national anti-illegal drugs campaign,” he added.
Also, the police force said the UN body’s proposal on technical cooperation for domestic efforts on human rights would allow the PNP to promote its duties to protect and respect human rights.
“The proposed ‘technical cooperation and capacity-building for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines,’ offers more opportunities for the PNP to further promote our own advocacy to protect, respect and fulfill human rights in all aspects of the police operation,” Yu said.
“This will further strengthen the PNP’s firm commitment to uphold the rule of law, through strict adherence to the PNP Operational Procedures or Rules of Engagement that emphasizes highly on respect for human rights and international humanitarian law,” he added.
PNP, likewise, said the UN body’s resolution, “is not a celebration for the PNP but a point to ponder on some issues to undertake.”
The UNHRC’s adopted resolution also encouraged High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet to “provide support for the country in the continued fulfillment of its international human rights obligations and commitments.” The resolution was adopted on Wednesday (Manila time) and was sponsored by Iceland, the Philippines and six other countries. [ac]
