The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has welcomed the commitment of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct forensic autopsies on deceased persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to ensure that their rights will be upheld and protected.
The DOJ had signed a declaration of cooperation with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to enhance procedures for investigating custodial deaths of PDLs. The declaration was also signed by the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Medicine and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Under the declaration, the DOJ will look into the deaths of PDLs under the custody of BuCor in Metro Manila, including the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong City.
It will ensure that deceased PDLs are immediately transported to the UP College of Medicine for forensic autopsies. UP pathologists will perform the autopsies following international standards. The UNODC will provide technical assistance to maintain collaborative efforts.
"We welcome this commitment as it demonstrates our desire to take all necessary steps to protect and uphold the rights of PDLs. We also acknowledge DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla's initiative to institutionalise investigation in cases of custodial death of prisoners," the CHR said in a statement.
At the same time, the CHR urged the government anew to pass into law the creation of the country's National Preventive Mechanism (NPM). The NPM will be the one to carry out the important role of preventing torture, initiating reforms, and upholding domestic and international standards relating to PDLs and jails and places of detention, it said.
"The Commission remains steadfast in its mandate of protecting the rights of all individuals, including those who are in conflict with the law. Ensuring that the deaths of PDLs are thoroughly investigated aligns with the broader goal of safeguarding human rights and upholding justice," the CHR added.