Malacañang assured that the government will continue to strengthen its response to crimes while protecting human rights in line with the commemoration of Human Rights Day.
“Importante talaga na paigtingin pa natin ang kakayanan ng ating kapulisan na bigyang katugunan ang mga kriminal, at the same time ay respetuhin ang karapatang pantao ng lahat (It is really important to intensify the capability of our police to respond to criminals and to respect the human rights of all),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated.
Among the measures being undertaken by the government is the continuing technical training of the police in processing physical evidence and the closer coordination of police and prosecutors in response to unsolved crimes.
Secretary Roque said they are aware of the criticisms hurled by some groups and personalities against President Rodrigo Duterte concerning human rights issues, including the accusation of former Human Rights Chairperson Etta Rosales that Duterte is the “single biggest enemy of human rights” in the country.
“Lahat naman ng Presidente sinasabihan iyan ng mga (All presidents are accused by) human rights advocates and the reason is they want to prompt government to still improve their level of compliance with human rights law,” he explained.
“The moment human rights organizations cease to castigate governments for their alleged violations of human rights is the time when we have less effective human rights organizations,” he added. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
