CHR calls for review of human rights worker’s arrest

Commission on Human Rights INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) wants a review of former human rights worker Jay Apiag’s arrest, stressing the importance of ensuring due process for all individuals, regardless of affiliation.

In a statement on Friday, the CHR said Apiag has been subjected to red-tagging and a series of harassments.

The CHR specifically pointed out that wanted posters bearing the words “human rights violator,” among other accusations, were made public in 2020.

Apiag, a former secretary general of the rights group Karapatan, is facing charges of attempted murder as well as illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

He is currently detained at the Buhangin police station after being arrested in Digos City.

“The Commission reiterates the Supreme Court ruling under Deduro v. Vinoya, which has determined that red-tagging, vilification, labeling, and guilt by association pose threats to a person’s right to life, liberty, or security. Regardless of a person’s status, these acts in itself put an individual at risk, and are thereby considered a violation of their inherent rights,” CHR said.

“The CHR calls for a thorough review into Apiag’s arrest, ensuring that justice is served impartially and with utmost transparency,” it said.

Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay, for her part, said Apiag is facing six trumped-up cases.

“Jay Apiag had nothing to do with the crimes he is being accused of. In fact, in his attempted murder case stemming from his supposed participation in an encounter in Paquibato, Davao City, on May 20, 2018, he presented proof that he was leading a fact-finding mission in Tagum City on the date,” Palabay said.