CHR: Junking of Manila secret jail case a ‘setback’ in fight vs rights abuses
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Tuesday said the Ombudsman’s decision to junk criminal and administrative cases against police officers over a secret detention cell in Manila is a “setback” in their efforts against human-rights abuses.
In a statement, the CHR said they filed the charges to ensure accountability among erring police officers.
“Scalawags among the police ranks will not be truly dealt with if those who have committed serious violations, particularly concerning fundamental human rights, are not held to account,” the commission said.
The CHR added that such practice may persist and may even embolden police officers and authorities who are inclined to engage in such wrongful practice.
The commission noted that shocking and dehumanizing violations against the rights of detained persons in the MPD secret cell necessitate accountability.
The CHR recalled that in 2017, the House Committee on Human Rights “unanimously recommended” filing charges against erring cops.
The commission added that the liabilities of the police not only breaches human rights standards but also their own operational procedures.
“The liabilities of the police not only breach human-rights standards but also their very own police operational procedures. Their lapses and actions, in this case, negated their very mandate, which is ‘to serve and protect,'” CHR said.
The CHR appealed to the Office of the Ombudsman to “thoroughly review” their decision adding that it is crucial that they work together in ensuring that grave abuses are held to account to prevent such abuses from happening again.
“It is crucial that we preserve the faith of the people in the rule of law by demonstrating with resolve that justice can ultimately prevail,” the CHR concluded.
In 2017, the CHR found 12 detainees inside a secret detention cell in MPD Station 1 in Tondo.
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