At the HOR-Human Rights Committee hearing on EJK
Human rights watch groups called for the scrapping of Oplan Bayanihan, BS Aquino’s counterinsurgency program, at today’s hearing of the House of Representatives-Human Rights Committee. The hearing tackled cases of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance and threats to human rights defenders.
At the HOR-Human Rights Committee hearing on EJK
Human rights watch groups called for the scrapping of Oplan Bayanihan, BS Aquino’s counterinsurgency program, at today’s hearing of the House of Representatives-Human Rights Committee. The hearing tackled cases of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance and threats to human rights defenders.
“Oplan Bayanihan’s implementation has resulted in the continuing extrajudicial killings and a host of other human rights violations that victimized HR defenders, political activists and non-activists alike, only because they are labeled as ‘enemies of the state’ and ‘members of communist front organizations’,” said Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay who was among the resource persons in the hearing.
Karapatan has documented 238 victims of extrajudicial killings and 270 victims of frustrated killings under the BS Aquino government.
“The killings and disappearances continue despite the Philippine government’s assurances at the UN Universal Periodic Review in 2012 that it would take ‘firm measures to address the problem’ and despite the recommendations of UN Special Rapporteur Prof. Philip Alston for the GPH to direct the military to cease labelling and targeting human rights defenders,” said Palabay.
The situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate said Palabay. “Oplan Bayanihan violates the right to life, committed most notably by the state security forces—the police, military, paramilitary, and others who are under their watch.”
The GPH’s use of paramilitary force drew flak in the international community with several foreign missions calling for its immediate dismantling. The European Parliament passed a similar resolution in May 2012; while the UN Special Rapporteurs on Human Rights Defenders and Extrajudicial Killings came out with a similar statement on July 2012.
“But, the GPH disregarded these recommendations and stood pat on EO 546 with corresponding fund allocation. In 2014 GAA, PhP2billion were allocated for the CAFGUs, aside from the perks given by mining companies and local government units. This practice was confirmed in a hearing by the House Committee on National Cultural Minorities when it investigated the Capion massacre in February 2013,” explained Palabay.
Karapatan noted the failure of the government to implement the various laws it has enacted and fulfil its obligations as signatory to international human rights instruments and peace agreements. “The sincerity of the BS Aquino government remains questionable for as long as rights violations continue,” said Palabay.
In 1998, the GPH signed the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. “It was a landmark agreement that enshrines the most basic civil, political, economic and social rights of peoples, and obliges both parties to abide by its principles. Seventeen years after, violations by the GPH continue unabated,” she added.
Karapatan also called for prompt and impartial investigation of cases of human rights violations, a review and withdrawal of all criminal cases against human rights and political activists, and the immediate pull-out of all military troops from civilian communities. ###