CHR not involved in preparing DOJ report on deaths arising from anti-illegal drug operations

While the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) acknowledged the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) first partial report on the deaths resulting from the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations as a positive step towards accountability, Commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit said that they were not involved in the preparation of the report.

DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra announced the release of the partial report that was conducted by a high-level inter-agency panel. The CHR lauded the government for addressing acts of impunity, but lamented that their involvement was not sought.

"However, we regret that the CHR was not involved in the review, contrary to the commitments and assurances made by the government during the 44th Session of the Human Rights Council. This is an unfulfilled promise to Filipinos and the entire community of nations," said Gomez-Dumpit.

The government announced back then that "as with all human rights-related mechanisms in the country, the Commission on Human Rights would be involved in its capacity as an independent monitoring body" and would play an important role in the high-level inter-agency panel. Sadly, Gomez-Dumpit said, this did not happen.

The panel was likewise meant to "engage with affected families and provide them with legal options and assistance in the criminal prosecution of law enforcers who have overstepped legal bounds in their operations."

Despite consistently asking the DOJ to be involved in the panel, Gomez-Dumpit said they were not included.

Since their input was not sought, the CHR is hoping that the government will publicize its findings in order to ensure the credibility of the report.

"This will allow victims and their families to access crucial information in the process of obtaining justice. We reiterate our openness and willingness to engage with the government in this process," Gomez-Dumpit said.

"It is our view that the best way in improving the human rights situation in the country is through inclusive and constructive engagement between the government, independent monitoring mechanisms, and civil society," she added.