PNP mum on UN resolution on human rights in Philippines

PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. (Photo from the PNP Facebook page)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday declined to comment on the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council’s adoption of a resolution that would prompt the body to look thoroughly into the situation of human rights in the country.

Asked to comment on the adoption of the resolution, PNP spokesperson Col. Bernard Banac said the organization’s official response “will be appropriately addressed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.”

“Meantime, the PNP will remain guided by instructions of higher authorities,” he said in a statement.

Eighteen of the 47 member states that make up the council had voted in favor of the draft resolution filed by Iceland. Fourteen voted no while 15 other states abstained.

The resolution, filed on behalf of more than two dozen nations, had asked UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to prepare and present a comprehensive report on the human rights situation in the Philippines, including killings in the drug war.

READ: Action on PH killings gets UN nod

Amid this action, Banac said the PNP assures the public that the police “remains vigilant to prevent the occurrence of crimes and will continue to perform its mandate to enforce the law following established operational procedures with the utmost respect for human rights.”

Asked whether the PNP will cooperate if the human rights body asks for official data on the government’s drug war, Banac said the PNP would submit to the judgment of higher authorities.

“Matters involving foreign affairs and diplomatic policy are beyond the authority of the police to tread on,” he said./ac