CHR-7 to authorities: Don’t take shortcuts

CEBU, Philippines — The head of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) -7 has cautioned authorities of the possible implications that may result from the recent pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte threatening drug dealers.

CHR-7 Director Arvin Odron feared that law enforcers may take advantage by "taking shortcuts" in executing the law while policing. Also, he said lawless elements may likewise take advantage of the vulnerability of the suspects.

"Naa man gyud circumstances na allowed ang law enforcement officers to use their firearms in policing in order to subdue the suspect and, later, arrest as required by law. Instead of subduing, they might be tempted to kill and claim later na nanlaban ang suspect," he said.

Duterte's speech during the 120th founding anniversary of the Philippine Navy on May 22 highlighted Cebu. He advised drug dealers to rather stay in jail if they want to live longer.

The event was carried by major international media organizations.

Fox News quoted Duterte as saying: "You know if I were you guys in Cebu, stay in jail. You want to live longer? Stay in jail. Look for your own reason to be in jail. Do not go out of that facility. It would not be healthy for you."

"I think the president is just vocal and candid of what we all observed that these drug-related personalities are being killed on their way out of the detention facility by unknown assailants, hence, the president challenged them to better stay inside the jail guarded by the jail authorities," said Odron.

He, however, said that freedom of movement is a human right that must be enjoyed by all human beings and to which must be protected by the government.

"I just hope that by giving such statement, it will not encourage further attacks on the life and security of these people and if the government tolerates or acquiesce to these blatant attacks, that is tantamount to abdicating its primary duty to serve and protect the people," he said.

Odron wanted to emphasize that there should be no other standard for the government either in the national or local level in observing human rights principles.

"The Philippine government already committed to the international community and to the Filipino people the respect for human rights of all human beings regardless of his or her status, whether innocent, suspected or convicted of committing a crime, by ratifying eight out of nine major treaties on human rights," he said.

He also noted that the 1987 Constitution articulated the supposed commitment of the government "to value the dignity of all human beings and even guarantees full respect for human rights." — GAN (FREEMAN)