The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Saturday described the Justice Department’s commitment to conduct forensic autopsies on deceased inmates as a “necessary step” to uphold the rights of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
“We welcome this commitment as it demonstrates our desire to take all necessary steps to protect and uphold the rights of PDLs,” CHR said in a statement.
The Justice Department earlier this month said that PDLs who will pass away inside the New Bilibid Prison will now immediately undergo autopsy.
This came after several bodies of PDLs were discovered piled up inside a funeral home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla signed the declaration of cooperation aimed at enhancing procedures for investigating custodial deaths of inmates.
“We also acknowledge Justice Remulla’s initiative to signify this declaration of cooperation to institutionalise investigation in cases of custodial death of prisoners,” added the CHR.
“The CHR, in fulfillment of our advisory mandate under the Constitution, also continues to urge the government to pass into law the creation of the country’s National Preventive Mechanism (NPM).”
CHR said the NPM is envisioned to carry out the important role of preventing torture, initiating reforms, and upholding domestic and international standards relating to PDLs, jails, and places of detention.
“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,” CHR said. –VAL, GMA Integrated News
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