CHR on Ressa’s arrest: Ensure constitutional guarantees

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) urged the government on Thursday to ensure Constitutional guarantees on the arrest of Rappler executive Maria Ressa.

“As there are questions on the arrest of Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa, we urge the government to ensure constitutional guarantees, including due process and equal protection of laws, are equally applied to her,” CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement.

“The Commission on Human Rights agrees that, in all cases, the rule of law must prevail. It is these same laws that ensure that each and every right is upheld and protected,” De Guia added.

Furthermore, the CHR called on the public to be vigilant against injustices.

“At this point, our interest is truth. We must always be vigilant against injustices donned with a cloak of legality—for laws are meant to guard our rights, not be used as tools to violate them,” the statement said.

Ressa was arrested on Wednesday by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at Rappler’s headquarters in Pasig City over a cyberlibel complaint.  /muf

READ: Rappler’s Maria Ressa arrested for cyberlibel