CHR expects gov’t to ‘faithfully comply’ with SC order on ‘Tokhang’ 

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it expects the government to faithfully comply with the Supreme Court order to release all ‘Oplan Tokhang’ police reports to human rights groups and the victims.

On Tuesday, the high court ordered the Office of the Solicitor General to release the documents related to the controversial anti-drug campaign of the government.

Copies of the report will also be given to the petitioners — the Center for International Law on behalf of residents of 26 barangays in San Andres Bukid in Manila and the Free Legal Assistance Group.

READ: Supreme Court orders release of all ‘Tokhang’ police reports

“We then urge the government to ensure that its policies will always safeguard the general welfare of people, and not only of a select few, in keeping with its obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all,” CHR spokesperson lawyer Jacqueline de Guia said in a statement on Wednesday.

“As such, we look forward to the government’s faithful compliance to the Supreme Court’s order,” she added.

According to De Guia, the Commission welcomes the SC’s move, as it reiterates its call to ensure that justice is served to victims of the drug war.

“It is only through greater transparency that we can ascertain the truth behind the circumstances leading to these killings and possibly make every perpetrator accountable for their offenses against the right to life, among others,” De Guia said.

Malacañang, for its part, said that it respects the decision of the SC and asserted that the government “always follow the rule of law.”

“Tokhang” is the combination of two Cebuano words – “toktok” or “to knock” and “hangyo” or “to plead.” It refers to a police operation in which officers knock at homes and plead with residents to stay away from or give up illegal drugs. /ee

READ: Palace respects SC order to release ‘Tokhang’ PNP reports