PNP to get P7-million EU grant to boost human rights training

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be receiving 106,000 Euros (about P7 million) from the European Union in support of its ongoing drive to boost reforms in the national police organization, particularly on the area of human rights.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said the EU grant is part of the European Union-Philippine Justice Support Program (EPJUST), a bilateral partnership that aims to strengthen the Philippine government’s efforts to address extra-legal killings, enforced disappearances, and other human rights concerns.

“The PNP’s law enforcement mission includes the duty to respect and uphold human rights. The EPJUST program will significantly boost police reforms especially in the area of human rights promotion,” Verzosa said.

The PNP chief said that under the program, technical assistance will be provided to enhance human rights training and strengthen capabilities of government agencies including monitoring, investigation, and prosecution of human rights violations.

“Human rights education and training are important but we will not stop there. The investigation of human rights cases involving erring police personnel will continue,” Verzosa said.

He added that the PNP’s Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), Crime Laboratory Group (CLG), Training Service (TS), and Human Rights Affairs Office (HRAO) will be the key offices that will be involved in the planning and implementation EPJUST-supported projects in the PNP.

“There is a need to further improve the professionalism and competency levels of police personnel as a means to reduce operational lapses that lead to human rights violations,” he said.

Versoza added that human rights promotion is one of the priority key result areas of the ongoing PNP Integrated Transformation Program, the long-term reform initiative of the agency.

The EPJUST program’s total budget of 3.9-million Euros or about P269 million will be allocated to other government agencies including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Commission on Human Rights, and qualified civil society organizations. The program is expected to be completed by March 2011.

Meanwhile, Verzosa said the checkpoints now being manned by PNP and military personnel to impose the election gun ban will be “showcases” of human rights observance.

Verzosa gave the assurance as he reminded all police unit commanders to closely supervise checkpoint operations put up to enforce the nationwide gun ban during the 150-day election period.

“The PNP must promote and protect human rights because this task lies at the very core of maintaining peace and order, ensuring public safety, and upholding the rule of law in the country. Human rights protection is the first business of law enforcement,” he said.

Among other instructions from the PNP high command, all PNP units were directed to ensure that all personnel assigned to man the checkpoints are properly briefed and oriented prior to deployment, with emphasis on proper conduct and behavior.