Human rights abuses in Marawi to be punished, IBP assured

Malacañang on Tuesday assured members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) that the alleged human rights abuses in Marawi under martial law would be stopped and the abusers punished.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines would look into the allegations raised by the IBP in Lanao del Sur about unlawful arrests and searches in Marawi.

“First and foremost, the President appreciates the support of Lanao del Sur’s IBP chapter for its declared support of martial law,” Abella said.

“However, he also assures them that concerns over alleged excesses will be quickly addressed and all abuses will be stopped and punished,” he added.

In an open letter to the President, the IBP-Lanao del Sur chapter decried the “wanton disregard of sanctity of domicile, the right against deprivation of property without due process of law, the right to be secure in one’s person, house, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures” that were allegedly committed by soldiers and policemen.