The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has urged a "thorough review" on the Aug. 13 arrest of Jay Apiag, a former secretary general in Southern Mindanao of Karapatan, a group of human rights advocates.
Apiag is facing charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
The CHR said that a warrant of arrest had earlier been issued against Apiag together with Karapatan National Chairperson Elisa Lubi last March 2021 for separate attempted murder charges.
But, it said, the warrant was recalled after a petition filed before a trial court in Davao City.
The CHR said that Apiag has been the target of multiple incidents of red-tagging which led to incidents of harassment. In 2020, wanted posters in Mindanao even circulated, which vilified Apiag by labelling him as a “human rights violator,” “berdugo,” and “pumapatay ng tribu,” among other things, it said.
While Apiag is currently being detained at the Buhangin Police Station after being arrested in Digos City, the CHR called on authorities to give an impartial review on his case and ensure that justice is served with utmost transparency.
"We put our trust in the country’s judicial system, that it may remain free from any influence and that the rule of law stands to be a foundational pillar in our democracy," it also said.
The CHR cited a recent Supreme Court (SC) decision which ruled that red-tagging, vilification, labeling, and guilt by association pose threats to a person’s right to life, liberty, or security.
"Regardless of a person’s status, these acts in itself put an individual at risk, and are thereby considered a violation of their inherent rights," the CHR stressed.
Regardless of affiliation, the CHR said that every individual deserves due process and a safe and fair environment where the rule of law prevails.
"As the country’s national human rights institution, CHR will always stand for the protection of the dignity of every Filipino. In fostering a society which safeguards the rights of all, we remain firm that nothing should remain above truth and justice," it added.