Philippines reforming justice, law enforcement under Marcos, Remulla tells UN rights body

The Philippines, under the Marcos administration, is pursuing a transformational reform on its justice and law enforcement sectors, its Justice chief told the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva on Wednesday.

In his speech during the UNHRC's 51st session, Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said the reforms are being done to "ensure the rule of law and the promotion and protection of the human rights of all its citizens."

"On the ground, through process-driven solutions to problems, we continue to identify and seek to solve," he added.

On the illegal drug campaign, Remulla said Marcos wants "criminal masterminds" to be apprehended, as he gave emphasis on rehabilitation, prevention, education and assistance to victims and their families.

In a statement on Wednesday,  Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the UNHRC has let down the victims of human rights violations in the Philippines by failing to pass a resolution this year that would address the issue.

According to the international watchdog, the UNHRC will end its 51st session on October 7 without taking action on the Philippines' human rights situation despite the concerns raised by various sectors, including families of the victims.

"The UN Human Rights Council's failure to act on the Philippines is devastating for both the victims of human rights abuses and civil society groups that seek to uphold basic rights,” HRW Geneva director Lucy McKernan said.

Incidents

Remulla, in his speech, said the Department of Justice is re-examining some incidents involving the government's anti-illegal drug campaign.

"Recently, at least seven incidents involving deaths were filed before the courts, for which 25 police officers have been indicted. At least eight police officers were dismissed from service, and five suspended or sanctioned," he said.

He added that a total of 302 cases have been referred by the Review Panel to the National Bureau of Investigation for case buildup."

Remulla, a former lawmaker, also mentioned the release of 371 persons deprived of their liberty in September.

"We are decentralizing our congested prison system. I am personally committed to continuing regular releases and aim to have 5,000 released by June next year," he said.

Remulla said the Philippine government will continue to engage with Member States, the UN, and various stakeholders on human rights "within the parameters of our own reality and institutions."

'Listen to us'

Remulla called on the UNHRC to listen to the Philippine government and understand the context of its challenges.

"What we ask of you, the Human Rights Council and partners, is to listen to us. To understand the context of our challenges - beside us on the ground, not above us from afar," he said.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan recently opposed the request of the Philippine government not to push through with the investigation into the Duterte administration's bloody war on drugs.

This came after the Philippine government argued that the tribunal lacks jurisdiction on the matter, and that the alleged crimes are insufficiently grave to warrant further action. It also pointed out that it has investigated and prosecuted the alleged crimes or is currently doing so. —KBK, GMA News