When a person’s right to life, liberty and security are violated where should he or she go to file a complaint?
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said he or she should go to the police because it is the task and responsibility of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies, like the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), to protect and uphold the human rights of Filipinos.
It said “for common crimes, it will be the PNP because it is covered by Revised Penal Code. We encourage the public to go to the police in such instances in fulfillment of their right to be protected in terms of life, liberty, and security."
But the CHR said that if the ones committing the crime belong to the government, the commission can step in and offer its assistance.
"If the alleged perpetrator happens to be a state agent or part of the government, then it can be considered as a human rights violation, not merely an abuse. Therefore, aside from the police, the CHR can also conduct an investigation," it said in its Twitter post.
It pointed out that Article 2 Section 11 of the Philippine Constitution provides that "the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights."
It said the PNP protects people's right to life, liberty and property, while the Department of Health (DOH) is tasked to uphold one's right to health, the Department of Education (DepEd) is mandated to protect Filipinos' right to education, and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is responsible for right to labor and employment.
The CHR is considered as the "watchdog, monitor, advocate, and educator" of the government in all aspects of human rights.
It said the commission may investigate alleged cases of human rights violations upon receipt of complaint from the victim or through motu proprio investigations, or those carried out based on the commission's own initiative.
Should a violation be determined by the CHR, a resolution will be issued and it will include recommended actions. The commission may also recommend the grant of financial assistance to victims, it also said.