Statement of 
DR. ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Secretary of Foreign Affairs

 On news reports regarding the alleged detention Of Canadian Human Rights workers

 Manila, 21 November 2006

The Philippines is a freedom-loving, democratic nation. Our Constitution articulates the value we place in the promotion of human rights and essential freedoms. With our independent Human Rights Commission and our judiciary – along with our vigilant press and active civil society partners – we ensure that our rights and liberties are protected and our democratic processes continuously strengthened.

The Philippine Government condemns all human rights abuses and unexplained killings of journalists, human rights workers and political activists. It has constituted Task Force Usig and created the Melo Commission to identify and get to the bottom of those responsible for the unexplained killings.

Task Force Usig is conducting exhaustive investigations into the motivations and facts of the killings, based on accounts of witnesses and relatives of the alleged victims. It has obtained credible reports of widespread purges conducted by the CPP/NPA/NDF against their members as well as in ambushes and encounters where police, soldier and dissidents alike have been casualties.

Substantial progress is being made. According to current government data, 110 party-list members were killed between 2001 and 2006. 32 of these cases are solved and 78 still ongoing. Of alleged victims of unexplained killings, as claimed by certain quarters, 128 are actually alive. 26 journalists have been killed since 2001. Of these, 21 criminal cases have been filed and 5 cases are still under investigation.

Furthermore, the Melo Commission, an independent and multi-sectoral body, is expected to consolidate its findings this December. The Commission strictly observes openness and transparency in all its proceedings. It has held meetings outside of Manila to ensure thorough coverage of all cases brought before it. The Commission has called for cooperation by all quarters in its proceedings. Regrettably, some opposition groups and organizations of the left have not been sufficiently forthcoming in cooperating with the Commission.

It is also important to underscore the fact that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New Peoples Army (NPA) are identified as terrorist organizations by the European Union, the United Nations and the United States. These terrorist groups have been guilty of extra-judicial killings in large numbers. They also engage in massive disinformation and propaganda abroad designed to confuse public and blacken the reputation of the Philippines.

The press, including overseas media, as well as human rights, humanitarian and aid workers, both Filipino and foreign, continue to have access in the country, even to areas of conflict, where safety allows.

The Philippine Government has a primary duty to protect the nation’s security and the people from rebel groups and terrorists who seek the lawless and violent overthrow of the democratic state and duly constituted authority. In the conduct of security operations rules of engagement that protect human rights are strictly adhered to. Charges of human rights violations are investigated as expeditiously as possible. In addition, the Philippine Government has welcomed assistance from the international community to strengthen human rights law enforcement and protection in the country.

The Philippines is also party to and implements numerous international human rights conventions. It has pioneered the protection of human rights of special and vulnerable groups, most especially women, children, migrant workers and indigenous peoples. In recognition of its commitment to upholding human rights, the Philippines was elected to the newly created U.N. Human Rights Council.

Additionally, the Philippine Government has pursued peace talks with various rebel groups designed to halt violence and to reduce the terrible burden that it places on innocent civilians. Again, the Philippine Government welcomes the cooperation of the international community to advance the peace process and to help the victims of conflict.

Human rights investigations merit the full support all relevant government instrumentalities, of media, of civil society organizations, and of the citizenry at large. In the interest of justice, all parties must work together to ensure that such investigations are unbiased, objective and transparent. They should also be free of the hidden political agendas pursued by those opposed to the government. END

/epa

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