THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed strong support for the establishment of a dedicated task force to investigate, prosecute and build cases on extrajudicial killings (EJKs) committed during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla created the task force through Department Order 778.
Its mandate encompasses the review of cold cases of extrajudicial killings, as well as unresolved cases that have stalled at the investigation stage or were dismissed prematurely.
“We look forward to the transparent, impartial, and diligent work of this task force — all for the purpose of ensuring accountability and reinforcing the foundation of human rights and justice for all victims of the anti-illegal drug campaign,” the CHR said in a statement.
It added that investigating human rights violations, including state-related abuses, was a fundamental obligation under the Philippines’ domestic and international commitments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The CHR commended efforts by the House of Representatives quad committee and the Senate blue ribbon committee in ensuring evidence-based assessment of EJK cases.
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