News Roundup 15 November 2022
Nov 15, 2022 • 4 min Read
Duterte ‘drug war’ still hot topic as Marcos admin faces UN rights review | PHILSTAR.COM – The culture of impunity around deaths in the “war on drugs” waged by President Rodrigo Duterte — impunity that the government says does not exist — hounds the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as officials face a United Nations panel. During the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the Philippines at the United Nations Human Rights Council, at least 12 countries took note of the human rights situation in the Philippines after thousands were killed in the “war on drugs”, with law enforcement claiming most drug suspects violently resisted arrest. The UPR is a regular peer-review mechanism of the UNHRC to evaluate member states’ compliance with their commitments to uphold and promote human rights. Representatives of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Iceland and Ireland all recommended that the Philippines take measures to ensure that the perpetrators of extrajudicial and summary killings linked to the “war on drugs” are made accountable. Canada recommended that the Philippines, whose delegation was led by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, “ensure that the victims of war on drugs have access to justice by investigating and prosecuting alleged illegal acts committed by law enforcement officials and swiftly concluding associated trial proceedings.”
Philippines urged to ensure safety and democratic space for rights defenders | PHILSTAR.COM – The United Nation Human Rights Council recommended that the Philippine government ensure that there is safe space for human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers in the country as it said the human rights situation in the country remains “concerning.” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla faced the UNHRC on November 14 and said in his opening statement that the Philippines “shall continue to provide accessible and welcoming venues for active and meaningful dialogue, with and amongst [civil society organizations] and human rights defenders.” He also previously said that the practice of labeling activists, rights defenders and journalists as communist rebels and supporters is part of democracy and of freedom of expression. Remulla headed the Philippine delegation at the the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the Philippines at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Switzerland. Among the strongest recommendations of member-states of the UNHRC is to ensure that human rights defenders are protected. Austria aired its concern about the “intimidation and harassment” of civil society organizations and activists “with widespread and grave human rights violations” linked to the “war on drugs.” Austria is joined by at least 10 other countries in echoing the concern for human rights defenders in the country. Uruguay said the Philippines may revisit “existing legal restrictions to guarantee safe space for journalists, human rights defenders to carry out their work freely and safely, free from intimidation and reprisals.” Belgium suggested to the Philippine government to “hold accountable all perpetrators of violence against journalists, human rights defenders and citizens expressing their Freedom of Expression” and “strengthen laws” to defend them against attacks, threats and killings. Back home and ahead of the UPR, the Commission on Human Rights renewed its call for the passage of the Human Rights Defenders Protection bill, “including an end to the practice of red-tagging of human rights defenders, activists and other advocates.”
DOJ orders subpoenas served on Bantag, other suspects in Mabasa slay | INQUIRER.NET – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has approved the serving of subpoenas ordering suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and an aide to attend starting next week the formal investigation proceedings into the murders of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa and New Bilibid Prison inmate and alleged conspirator Cristito “Jun Villamor” Palaña. Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento said the subpoenas have been prepared ordering Bantag, former BuCor deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, and 10 inmates to appear before the DOJ panel of prosecutors on Nov. 23 at 9 a.m. and on Dec. 5 at 1 p.m. for the preliminary investigation. “It was readied for release, (I) instructed as soon as possible,” Malcontento told reporters on Monday afternoon. However, DOJ spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano said the subpoenas had not been released. They have to be served in the last known address of the respondents as notice that they have been charged and must undergo criminal investigation in the DOJ. “We have an accredited courier that will give the subpoenas to their last known addresses,” Clavano said. Asked if the subpoena would be delivered to Bantag’s address in Baguio City, he replied: “I think that as soon as the subpoena is released, it already serves as a notice to the whole world that [it’s] out. So it’s up to them if they really want us to serve it there.” Zulueta has reportedly gone into hiding, according to investigators. Bantag, on the other hand, said he had no intention of surrendering unless Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla resigns from his post. “Definitely I will face the charges… but if (Remulla) will not step down, then I will not surrender even if I have a warrant (of arrest),” he said in an interview with CNN Philippines on Monday.
