CHR slams death threat vs playwright

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) yesterday expressed concern over the death threat received by activist, playwright and martial law survivor Bonifacio Ilagan.

Ilagan on Wednesday reported the death threat he received over the phone on Jan. 2, wherein a male caller told him to “stop” what he is doing and that his unit was just waiting for “the final order from the higher-ups” to have him killed.

“Ilagan is a martial law survivor who suffered mental and physical torture at the hands of his captors. His sister was also one of the many victims of enforced disappearance that occurred during this period of impunity and strife,” the CHR said in a statement.

“CHR, through its National Capital Region office, has taken steps to investigate the death threat against Ilagan. We commend our law enforcement counterparts who are also looking into this case. The commission stands against any form of intimidation, harassment and threat to life which assaults people’s freedom and dignity,” it added.

The commission reminded the government of its responsibility to protect artists’ rights and freedoms.

It also cited the country’s commitment to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment guaranteeing that the abuses suffered by Ilagan during the martial law period will never occur again in present times.

“The commission stresses that in a democratic country, it is only natural for different, sometimes conflicting, political perspectives to emerge in matters of history and the arts,” said the human rights body.

“It is in the interest of the state to protect the freedom of expression in these spaces of discourse from threats of violence. Conflicting opinions often facilitate the synthesis of a peaceful, democratic middle ground,” it added.