HRW exec: Ensure ‘overdue’ probe on PH drug war killings is ‘put in place’

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Human Rights Council must ensure that the investigation of drug-related killings in the Philippines “is in place,” an official of the Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Saturday.

“A probe into extrajudicial killings and other violations in the Philippines is long overdue – it is incumbent on Council members and observers to work together at the upcoming 41st session to ensure an investigation is finally put in place,” HRW deputy director  Laila Matar said in a statement.

This reaction came after 11 United Nations human rights experts issued a joint statement that urged for an independent probe on alleged unlawful deaths in the government’s bloody war against illegal drugs.

READ: Rare joint statement of UN rapporteurs calls for probe of PH killings

The HRW official said the statement by the UN rapporteurs showed urgency in addressing the alleged killings related to the war on drugs in the Philippines.

“This collective expression of concern and call to action by 11 top UN experts only further highlights the responsibility of the Human Rights Council to address the situation in the Philippines,”  Matar said.

Matar, quoting Michelle Bachelet of New United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, cited that of the 27,000 cases of alleged extrajudicial killings, only one case was subjected for investigation and prosecution. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)