The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) took up the cudgels anew for activists, human rights advocates, and union leaders who continue to face alleged threats and intimidations reportedly from government law enforcers and vigilantes.
“CHR continues to denounce any form of attack against members of rights groups and their leaders. The government has the obligation to protect the rights of all regardless of ideology and political affiliation,” Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said in a statement on Friday, March 26.
Should the government plan on making accusations or taking action against them, De Guia said they must adhere to human rights.
Any action must be done in accordance to due process, proper guidelines, and civil service ethics, she said.
As for law enforcement, De Guia stressed that it must be utilized for the protection of the citizenry, and never used to attack or harass opposing voices.
“The urgency of this situation has been repeatedly stressed and we continue to clamor for concrete action from the government to stop further attacks and repression against union groups and their leaders,” she pointed out.