The Department of Justice (DOJ) assured on Wednesday, April 24, that it continues to fight extra-judicial killings (EJKs) and to uphold human rights.
“The DOJ, as the principal law agency and legal counsel of the government, remains deeply committed to the administration’s thrust towards a Bagong Pilipinas -- one that is safe, peaceful, and just,” declared Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla in a statement.
Remulla issued the statement in response to a report issued by the United States Department of State that EJKs remain a serious problem in the Philippines in 2023.
He said the DOJ is “serious in its efforts to safeguard human rights and thwart extra-judicial killings (EJKs), including other barbaric practices.”
“We guarantee that reforms are in place to change the mindset and attitude of erring law enforcers and make them responsible for their actions,” he also said.
“We are taking all the necessary steps to strengthen the criminal justice system and hold to account the perpetrators of these violations,” he assured.
He then reminded those those in charge of the administration of justice that “there are no shortcuts in enforcing peace and order.”
“It is of primordial consideration that we, as responsible State enforcers, uphold the rule of law and resolve to protect and promote human rights,” he stressed.